Fundamental Movement Skills in Children in Mentawai Islands: Indigenous Tribes in Indonesia

Abstract

Background and purpose. Various studies have investigated Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in children and factors that might improve them. However, studies examining FMS in children of indigenous tribes remain limited. Thus, this research aims to identify and analyze the relationship between sociocultural life, parenting, and level of education among indigenous tribe children who live on Mentawai Island. The research is also keen on comparing FMS between genders.  Materials and methods. This research employed qualitative and quantitative methods. It was grounded by phenomenology and FMS tests. A total of 15 parents, 3 teachers, and 70 young children (aged 5-7 years) participated voluntarily. The children’s genders comprised boys (n=38) and girls (n=32). Data in this research were collected from observation, semi-structured interviews, and FMS tests (locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative). Then, they were analyzed using a thematic method and t-test to compare the level of FMS among the children.  Results. Based on the analysis, parents stated they involved their children in socio-cultural life. Also, children were educated to live independently and given freedom to play. However, the study did not find any relationship between parent’s educational level and FMS. This was evidenced by statistical analysis, in which the mean score of FMS among early childhood in Mentawai Island was 35.46 (good). Following that, boys had better FMS than girls (P<0,05), with a mean score of 37.08>33.53. Conclusions. Children need to be given the freedom to actively take part in physical activities in order to gain physical experiences and better FMS. This study recommends future research involving other factors and comparing FMS between children of indigenous tribes and those who live in urban areas.