Children actively playing on a vibrant playground, promoting motor skill development and physical activity.

Unlocking Your Child's Potential: The Surprising Link Between Movement and Smarts

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"How encouraging physical activity can boost motor skills and overall development."

In today's fast-paced world, ensuring our children lead healthy and active lives is more important than ever. But what if the key to unlocking their physical potential also had a surprising connection to their cognitive development? Emerging research suggests a strong link between motor skills, physical activity, and how children perceive their own abilities.

Two recent studies shed light on this fascinating relationship, exploring how perceived motor competency—a child's belief in their motor skills—and the design of playgrounds can significantly impact their physical activity levels. These findings offer valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers looking to foster a generation of healthy, confident, and capable individuals.

This article breaks down these studies, translating complex research into actionable advice you can use to help your child thrive. We'll explore the importance of perceived motor competency, the impact of playground design, and practical strategies to encourage physical activity and motor skill development in your children.

The Power of Perception: How Self-Belief Drives Physical Activity

Children actively playing on a vibrant playground, promoting motor skill development and physical activity.

One study, titled "Are children with a higher sense of perceived motor competency more physically active one year later?", investigated the relationship between a child's perceived motor skills and their actual physical activity levels. The researchers focused on perceived motor competency, which is how good a child thinks they are at motor skills such as running, throwing, and catching.

The study followed 134 Australian children (88 boys) aged 7-10 years over a 12-month period. The children's perceived motor skills were assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC), while their physical activity was measured using accelerometers. The results revealed some fascinating insights:

Object control skills (like throwing and catching) had a moderate, positive correlation with physical activity.
Children who perceived themselves as better at object control skills tended to be more physically active.
Locomotor skills (like running and jumping) did not show the same strong correlation.
The study also found that younger children and boys were generally more active.

These findings highlight the importance of fostering a child's belief in their motor skills, particularly object control skills. When children feel confident in their ability to throw, catch, or kick a ball, they're more likely to participate in physical activities that involve these skills. This suggests that interventions aimed at boosting perceived motor competency could be a powerful tool for increasing physical activity levels in children.

Taking Action: Practical Tips for Parents and Educators

Understanding the link between perceived motor competency, playground design, and physical activity empowers us to create environments that support children's healthy development. By implementing these strategies, we can help children build confidence, develop essential motor skills, and embrace a lifetime of physical activity. Remember, it's not just about getting kids moving; it's about fostering a positive relationship with movement that will benefit them for years to come.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.029, Alternate LINK

Title: Are Children With A Higher Sense Of Perceived Motor Competency More Physically Active One Year Later?

Subject: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Journal: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: E. Visser, E. Mazzoli, T. Hinkley, T. Utesch, L. Barnett

Published: 2018-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does the term 'perceived motor competency' specifically mean in the context of child development?

Perceived motor competency refers to how good a child *thinks* they are at motor skills like running, throwing, and catching. This self-belief plays a significant role in their willingness to participate in physical activities. If a child believes they are good at object control skills, like throwing or catching, they are more likely to engage in activities that utilize those skills, leading to increased physical activity. The study using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) and accelerometers showed a moderate, positive correlation between object control skills and physical activity.

What were the specific findings regarding the relationship between perceived motor competency and physical activity in the Australian children study?

The study involving 134 Australian children aged 7-10 years, measured perceived motor competency using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) and physical activity using accelerometers over a 12-month period. The study found that object control skills (like throwing and catching) had a moderate, positive correlation with physical activity. Children who perceived themselves as better at object control skills tended to be more physically active. Locomotor skills (like running and jumping) did not show the same strong correlation, and younger children and boys were generally more active. This indicates that a child's belief in their object control skills can significantly influence their physical activity levels.

What are some actionable strategies for parents and educators to improve a child's perceived motor competency?

Focus on activities that enhance object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking) to build confidence. Create supportive environments where children can practice and improve these skills without fear of judgment. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can significantly boost their perceived motor competency. Remember, improvements in perceived motor competency can be a powerful tool for increasing physical activity levels in children.

What are some limitations of focusing solely on 'perceived motor competency' when trying to increase a child's physical activity levels?

While the research highlights the importance of perceived motor competency, it's crucial to remember that it's not the only factor influencing a child's physical activity levels. Other elements like playground design, parental support, access to resources, and individual preferences also play significant roles. Additionally, focusing solely on object control skills might neglect the development of other important motor skills like locomotor skills. Therefore, a holistic approach that considers all these factors is essential for fostering a healthy and active lifestyle in children. Future research can explore how these factors interact and influence each other to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

What are the broader implications of improving perceived motor competency for a child's overall health and well-being?

The study suggests that by fostering a child's belief in their motor skills, particularly object control skills, we can encourage them to be more physically active. This can have long-term benefits for their physical health, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Increased physical activity is linked to improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Moreover, physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive functions like attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. By promoting perceived motor competency, we can help children develop a lifelong love of movement and reap its many benefits.