Computing and Evaluating Relationships Between Equal and Differential Factor Weighting for Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity with Guided Active Play During Childhood

Bibliographic Data

ID15716812
AuthorsGlory Madu (York University), Victoria Kwong (York University), Dusan Calic (York University), Taylor W Cleworth (0000-0001-6765-6096, York University), Taylor Cleworth (York University), A N Belcastro (0000-0002-9841-1996, York University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume12
Issue12
Pages1615-1615
Publication date2025-11-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children12121615
PMID41462756
OpenAlexW4416765511
LanguageEN
References cited32

Background/Objectives: The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) totals assume equal weighting of the 12 locomotor (LOC) and object control (OC) skills, yet validation studies indicate differential contributions. The study compared equal- and differential-weighted scores for LOC and OC skills, with three fitness and two physical activity (PA) outputs during guided active play (GAP). Methods: Children's (n = 82; 7.6 ± 1.5 years) TGMD-2 LOC and OC differential factor weights were estimated with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and compared to equal weights with multiple linear regression (two, five, and eight predictors) and Chi-square analyses. Predictor variables included fitness, BMI, sex, age stages, and PA assessed by energy expenditure (PAEE) and intensity (MVPA) estimated using accelerometry during 1 h GAP. Results: EFA supported a two-factor structure (variance explained = 51.1%) with ≥0.500 loadings for 9/12 skills. Differential- and equal-weighted LOC and OC scores showed varied contributions from individual skills. Multiple linear regression analysis showed similar explained variances (R 2 ) of 53% (PAEE), 40% (MVPA), 31% (OC), and 14% (LOC) for equal or differential scores with eight predictors. Although β coefficients varied, going from two, five, and eight predictors, the impact of equal and differential weights was comparable. Chi-square analysis indicated high OC associated with MVPA (X 2 (4) = 9.42, p ≤ 0.05), LP, and STR with PAEE. Conclusions: TGMD-2 outputs with equal- and differential-weighted scores are adequate for clinical/educational use, which show similar relationships with PA and HRF variables. Differential-weighted TGMD-2 scores comprise different contributions of movement skills and may hold promise for intervention studies focused on varied or target tasks and movement abilities

Differential (mechanical device · Energy expenditure · Exploratory factor analysis · Gross motor skill · Linear regression · Physical activity · Regression · Regression analysis · Weighting · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Infant Development and Preterm Care

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