Unlocking Childrens Motor Potential: The Role of Physical Fitness, Play Activities, Body Composition and Fundamental Movement Skills
Muhamad Syafei, Didik Rilastiyo Budi, Kusnandar, Galih Yoga Santiko, Septiana Dwi Rachmawati

Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Abstract

Motor skills in elementary school students develop a fundamental basis and significantly influence the development of movement abilities in subsequent stages of life. Several factors contribute to motor development in children, including physical fitness, engagement in play activities, and body composition. Despite their importance, these factors remain relatively underexplored in the literature. This study aims to measure and determine the correlation between physical fitness, play activities, and body composition with motor skills based on Fundamental Movement Skills in elementary school students in the Purwokerto area. This study employed a correlational research design. The population comprised elementary school students in the Purwokerto area, with a sample of 60 students selected for analysis. The instruments utilized in this study are 1) the Vo2Max test using the Multi Level Fitness Test (MFT)- 2) the Play Activities questionnaire to measure the childs play level- 3) the Body Mass Index (BMI) test to determine Body Composition, and 4) the Fundamental Movement Skills test to measure the level of motor skills in students. The data analysis consisted of a prerequisite test of normality and linearity and a hypothesis test using a correlational test with the SPSS application. The study results on the correlation between physical fitness, play activities, and body composition with motor skills, based on fundamental movement skills, provide valuable insights into the factors influencing students^ motor development. The results show that there is a significant relationship between physical fitness, play activities and body composition with motor skills in primary school students with a Sig. value of 0.029. Conclusion: primary school students need to have programmed physical activities that are tailored to the growth and development of children. In addition, a good BMI and fitness are also necessary to improve students motor skills.

Keywords: Fundamental Movement Skill, Physical Fitness, Motor Educability, Play Activities

Topic: Sport Sciences and Physical Education