Waist circumference and motor coordination in Portuguese school children
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abstract
Introduction: Children’s motor coordination may affect their activity
pattern and thereby influence their body-fatness. The aim of this
study was to analyze the relation between motor coordination and
waist circumference (WC) levels, in a Portuguese sample of school
children aged 8–12 years old.
Methods: The sample comprised 402 urban school children (girls-
46.8%), aged 8 to 12 years old (mean 9.6 = ± 0.6 years) from North
of Portugal. WC was measured with standardize protocols. Age- and
sex-adjusted Z-scores were also computed for WC. Motor coordination
levels were assessed with the Ko¨ rperkoordination Test fu¨ r Kinder
(KTK) and children were classified according to age-and sex
KTK criteria [1].
Results: In motor coordination, 27.1% girls showed disturbance of
coordination; 33.5% insufficiencies of coordination; 39.4% normal
coordination and 0% good coordination. Corresponding figures for
boys were 7.9%; 39.3; 50.9%, and 1.9% respectively (P < 0.001).
Linear regression analysis showed that Z-Scores WC were negatively
associated with motor coordination (Unstandardized B = -5642
SE:0.706, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Low-motor coordination levels are negatively associated
with waist circumference Z-scores. The early identification of children
with poor motor coordination is crucial in order to implement
and develop health-related behaviors.
