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Dynamic Balance, but Not Precision Throw, Is Positively Associated with Academic Performance in Children

Author

Listed:
  • Rodrigo A. Lima

    (Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
    CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília-DF 70040-020, Brazil)

  • David F. Stodden

    (Department of Physical Education & Athletic Training, University of South Carolina, Wheat Street, Suite 218, Columbia, SC 29208, USA)

  • Karin A. Pfeiffer

    (Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Lisbeth R. Larsen

    (Social Education, Svendborg, Faculty of Education and social sciences, UCL University College, Niels Bohrs Allé 1, 5230 Odense M, Denmark)

  • Mauro V. G. Barros

    (School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Campus Universitario HUOC-ESEF, Arnobio Marques 310, Santo Amaro, Recife PE 50.100-130, Brazil)

  • Anna Bugge

    (Department of Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychomotor Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University College Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark)

  • Lars B. Andersen

    (Faculty of Education, Arts and Sport; Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Sogndal, 6861 Sogndal, Norway)

Abstract

We analyzed the longitudinal association between dynamic balance and throwing skill with academic performance and whether waist circumference mediated these relationships. The current one-year longitudinal study followed 1020 first (mean age 7.87 ± 0.34 years) through fifth grade (mean age 11.87 ± 0.37 years) children, measured twice in 2010 and 2011. Dynamic balance and precision throw were measures of motor competence. Waist circumference was measured with a measuring tape at the umbilicus level. Academic performance was assessed by a combined score of standardized Danish language and math tests. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis. All coefficients are standardized. Balance was associated with academic performance when both sexes were combined (β = 0.126, 95% CI: 0.074 to 0.179), and waist circumference partially mediated the relationship (β = 0.021, 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.034). For boys, balance was associated with academic performance, but waist circumference did not mediate the association. For girls, balance presented direct, mediated (via waist circumference), and total associations with academic performance. Dynamic balance is an important gross motor function that was longitudinally related to academic performance, and waist circumference partially mediated the relationship. Precision throw was not found to be associated with academic performance in both sexes combined or when analyzed separately.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodrigo A. Lima & David F. Stodden & Karin A. Pfeiffer & Lisbeth R. Larsen & Mauro V. G. Barros & Anna Bugge & Lars B. Andersen, 2020. "Dynamic Balance, but Not Precision Throw, Is Positively Associated with Academic Performance in Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:8:p:2790-:d:347107
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    Cited by:

    1. Rodrigo Antunes Lima & Fernanda Cunha Soares & Jorge Bezerra & Mauro Virgílio Gomes de Barros, 2020. "Effects of a Physical Education Intervention on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.

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