The motor proficiency of obese 8-11 year old children

[摘要] English: A rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in children has been seen aroundthe world. There was a 60% increase in the prevalence of being overweight anda 70% increase in the prevalence of obesity between 1989 and 1998 (Ogden etal., 1997:1, Reilly et al., 1999:1039, Martorell et al., 2000:959).What's more, motor abilities can be influenced by excess weight from a veryearly age. Groups of normal weight and obese babies were compared, and adelayed gross motor development was found in the obese. A significantcorrelation was found between excessive weight and gross motor delay. Overthe following year, both weight and motor development reverted to normal in themajority of infants (Jaffe & Kosakov, 1982:619).Parizkova (1996) found that the potential deteriorating effect of excess fat ondynamic performance increases with age and the longer the duration of obesity.This researcher discovered that in preschool children, the effect of increasedweight and body mass index is only apparent in some areas, such as broad jumpand the 20 meter dash, and much less so in other measured variables. Thesignificant effect of increased weight and fat is most marked during puberty.From the above mentioned statistics and research, the question is raised onwhether obesity has an influence on the motor proficiency of 8-11 year oldchildren.The first goal of the study was to identify 30 children with obesity (age 8-11) and30 non-obese children (age 8-11) to form the control group. Body mass indexwas used as criterium to determine obesity. Boys with a body mass index of 18-21kg/m2 and girls with a body mass index of 18-22 kg/m2 were identified asobese, while the control group all had a body mass index of less than 18kg/m2.Fat percentage was determined using the Heath and Carter method (skinfolds ofthe triceps, sub-scapula, para-umbilicus, supra-iliac, medial thigh and medialcalf) (Heath and Carter, 1969:57). Furthermore, somatotyping has been used forthe estimation of body composition. Somatotyping of an individual is expressedby a three digit evaluation comprising three consecutive numbers (rated fromlowest to highest, 1-7) and always listed in the same order. Each numberrepresents the evaluation of a basic component, endomorphy (relating to relativeadipose), mesomorphy (relating to skeletal muscle development), andectomorphy (relating to the relative linearity of the body).There after, the obese (n=30) and non-obese (n=30) children, age 8-11, wereevaluated with the Bruininks-Oseretsky test (Bruininks, 1978) to determine theirmotor proficiency. The Bruiniks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency is anindividually administered test that assesses the motor functioning of children from4½ to 14½ years of age. The complete battery �?eight subtests (Running Speedand Agility, Balance, Bilateral Coordination, Strength, Upper Limb Speed,Response Speed, Visual Motor Control and Upper Limb Coordination andDexterity) comprised of 46 separate items �?provides a comprehensive index ofmotor proficiency as well as separate measures of both gross and fine motorskills. The Short Form �?14 items from the Complete Battery �?provides a briefsurvey of general motor proficiency (Bruininks, 1978:11).The data was analyzed by means of the t-test. This test was used because it isthe most commonly used method to evaluate the differences in means betweentwo groups.The study revealed that there was no significant difference in any age group (8,9, 10 or 11) between the motor proficiency of obese versus non-obese children.This is in contrast with the hypothesis that states that there will be a significantdifference between the motor proficiency of obese versus non-obese children.Although the study can conclude that there was no major difference between thetwo groups, obesity remains a concern. The prevalence of this epidemic is risingyear after year and it is therefore recommended that obesity should be preventedas far as possible and that those who suffer from obesity should be treated assoon as they are diagnosed with obesity. Treatment of obesity is mostsuccessful if realistic goals are set; a balanced diet is emphasized; a safe rate ofweight loss of about 0.5 kg a week is achieved through moderate reduction ofenergy intake (about 20-25% decrease); increased physical activity isemphasized as much as diet; parental support is strong and behavior therapy isprovided to help both child and parents achieve the diet, exercise and behaviorgoals (Frühbeck, 2000:328).Another concern is that the motor proficiency of children between 8 and 11 yearsis not what it is suppose to be. Both the obese and non-obese group had a lowscore of motor proficiency, which means that they were probably never exposedto appropriate motor development in their early childhood years. It is thereforerecommended that more attention be given to early motor development to helpchildren improve their motor proficiency which is essential for the performance ofspecialized movements in later childhood and adolescence. Motor developmentprograms may be implemented in pre-school and primary schools as part of thecurriculum.

[发布机构] University of the Free State