Fundamental movement skill proficiency of South African girls from a lower socio-economic community

Poor fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency can contribute to a decrease in participation in energy-expending recreational and sporting endeavours. Against the backdrop of the increasing obesity epidemic, ensuring that these foundational motor skills are established in childhood is justified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of FMS proficiency of 191 girls aged nine- to 12-years-old from a lower socio-economic community within Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A descriptive study design employing convenience sampling and quantitative assessment techniques was utilised. The FMS assessed were running for speed, standing long jump, throwing and catching. The Component Approach (CA) and Test of Gross Motor Development 2 (TGMD-2) qualitative motion analysis tools were used. The CA findings revealed that only the catch was performed proficiently whereas the TGMD-2 indicated that the catch and run for speed were performed proficiently when comparing age groups. Only catch had a small statistical and practical significant difference in FMS scores between nine- and ten-year-olds. These findings highlight the need for FMS interventions at an early age in girls from lower socio-economic status communities. The different results observed for the CA and TGMD-2 as implemented in this study highlight possible limitations in FMS qualitative motion analysis tools.Keywords: Fundamental movement skills; Movement proficiency; Girls; Component Approach Qualitative Motion Analysis; Test of Gross Motor Development 2; Lower socio-economic status