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The Relationships Between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Fitness and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents with DCD

  • Motor Disorders (P Wilson, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Strong links exist in children and adolescents with high motor competence between physical activity level, physical fitness and self-concept. Are similar associations also evident for those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and do they vary with age or between genders?

Recent Findings

Low levels of physical activity and fitness have been identified in those with DCD, but self-concept was not considered in these studies. The picture is muddied by the many terms used to investigate the self. We identified that self-concept is not necessarily lower in those with DCD if they do not believe physical prowess is important. However, gender- and age-related differences were identified.

Summary

For those with DCD, even though physical self-perceptions are low, their general self-concept is not necessarily diminished. By adolescence, broader sources of information are drawn upon to inform self-concept and unimportant influences disregarded. Future research should seek to understand these influences in order to better support the development of a healthy self-concept.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, 19 Mouat Street, PO Box 1225, Fremantle, WA, 6959, Australia

    Beth Hands, Elizabeth Rose, Paola Chivers, Fleur McIntyre, Amanda Timler & Helen Parker

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  1. Beth Hands
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Hands, B., Rose, E., Chivers, P. et al. The Relationships Between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Fitness and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents with DCD. Curr Dev Disord Rep 7, 35–42 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-020-00189-8

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