Evolution of the motor abilities and physical activity levels of primary school children in relation to body mass index. An observatory on motor development.

The increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is a global trend deal with higher risk of health problems in the immediate, short and long term. Increased inactivity and reduced physical activity, which has important implications for epidemic obesity and emergence of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in youth, has been emphasized by recent finding (Malina, 2014). Physical inactivity causes an increase in BMI, a reduction in the levels of physical activity (Schwarzfischer et al., 2017) and a consequent reduction of motor performances. Sport and PA participation are important factors both to improve physical health and performance, and to enhance psychological and social health outcomes. The promotion of healthy lifestyle in children, in opposition to during sedentary behaviour, and LPA to MVPA in children is advocated in school, home, and community settings. The purpose of the study is to assess the evolution of motor abilities, strength, motor coordination and physical activity levels of primary school children’s in relation to BMI. Apart from the descriptive statistics (M±DS), Student's T Test was carried out, in order to highlight the significant differences within the groups (p <.05). The results showed significant differences in the two groups (Nw vs Ow-Ob) to 8,9,10 y. and in all motor tests and self-report (p<.05). The group ow-ob underlined lower motor performances and physical activity levels compared to nw group (8,9,10 yr). The males and females showed an evolution of the performances in three years, but not in physical activity levels. Systematic analysis of motor skills and motor abilities during childhood and levels of physical activity are the most important research goals in motor sciences. Cultural contest, school organization, use of new technologies, parenting styles in regard to daily motor activity, influence amount and quality of children’s motor activities. Recent findings highlights: (a) the relation among phyical activity and overweight, fitness and overweight and the reverse relation between daily and weekly physical activity and obesity; (b) reverse relations between physical efficiency and overweight and the mediation effects among BMI, fitness and PA. High levels of BMI seems to be the reason or the effect of low physical activity levels, implicating low fitness levels. Cross sectional and longitudinal studies are needed in order to monitor motor development, physical activity levels, related psychological factors and effects of health behaviour interventions for the promotion of motor activities.