Comparison of Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Elementary School Children

Abstract

Objective: Investigation of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical fitness differences among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White elementary school children. Materials and Methods: This study included 194 children aged between 4 and 11 in kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th grades. For evaluable participants, t-tests were used to test potential differences in fitness or fundamental movement skills. Results: There were significant group differences across the participants in terms of age, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, arm circumference, and waist circumference. In addition, there were significant differences between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White groups in terms of catching, running, dodging, punting, and two-hand striking (p’s < 0.05). Lastly, there were significant differences between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White in pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups (p’s < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study shows Hispanic children have lower fundamental movement skills and physical fitness compared to their Non-Hispanic White peers. As poor fundament movement skills and physical fitness at such a young age may lead to adverse implications for their physical fitness and health in adulthood. Future studies should focus on increasing fitness, and FMS in Hispanic elementary school children.