Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.26582/k.57.2.3

Exploring physical literacy, physical activity levels, and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with probable movement difficulties: a comparative study

Lydia Stagianni orcid.org/0009-0005-8819-1490 ; School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Vasiliki Kaioglou ; School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Apostolos Stagiannis ; 12th Primary School of Neo Irakleio, Athens, Greece
Thomas Kourtessis ; Department of Early Childhood Education & Care, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
Antonis Kambas ; Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
Fotini Venetsanou orcid.org/0000-0003-3633-4398 ; School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

A significant percentage of school-aged children experience movement difficulties that negatively affect various aspects of their daily lives. This study aimed to examine perceived physical literacy, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness of children at risk for movement difficulties and compare these parameters with their typically developing peers. Ninety-seven children, aged 11-12 years (M=11.57±0.49 years) participated voluntarily. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist-2 was used to identify children at risk for movement difficulties. The 20-meter shuttle run test, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, and the Physical Literacy for Children-Questionnaire were used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and physical literacy, respectively. Results revealed that 16.5% of the participants were at risk for movement difficulties, while 15.5% had poor motor competence. These children demonstrated statistically significant lower levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and perceived physical literacy (particularly in physical and psychological domains) compared to their typically developing peers. The findings highlight the significant role of motor competence in perceived physical literacy, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness and underscore the need for timely identification of possible motor competence deficits and implementation of specifically tailored movement programs aiming at children’s holistic development.

Keywords

motor competence, perceived physical literacy; Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children; Physical Literacy for Children-Questionnaire

Hrčak ID:

340245

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/340245

Publication date:

31.12.2025.

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