The association between body mass index and motor coordination in children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and motor coordination (MC) in children. Data were collected in 794 children, ages 6-9 years. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight [Body mass (kg)/Height (m²)]. MC was evaluated using KTK. In both girls (χ² = 93.96; p < 0.001) and boys (χ² = 46.98; p < 0.001). There were significant differences in MC between the three groups of BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese). Normal weight children of both sexes have better outcomes than those who are overweight, and these in turn have better results than the obese. MC is moderately and negatively associated with BMI and the association increases during childhood (-0.16 to -0.50). In both boys and girls overweight and obese have lower levels of MC than normal weight children.