Exploring Cross-Cultural Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency Between Polish and Latvian Children

Author:

Makaruk Hubert1,Grants Juris2,Bodasińska Anna1,Bula-Biteniece Inta2,Zieliński Janusz1,Dravniece Irēna2,Starzak Marcin1,Ciekurs Kalvis2,Piech Krzysztof1,Makaruk Beata1,Žīdens Janis2,Kalniņš Kārlis2,Sadowski Jerzy1

Affiliation:

1. 1 Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw , Faculty of Physical Education and Health , Biała Podlaska , Poland

2. 2 Latvian Academy of Sport Education in Riga , Latvia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are a critical component of success in various sports and lifelong physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the FMS proficiency levels of 7-9-year-old children from Poland and Latvia, providing insights into the current state of motor competence in these populations. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, incorporating a sample of 163 boys and girls. The FUS test (Fundamental Motor Skills in Sport), a comprehensive, qualitative, and process-oriented assessment tool was used to assess FMS. The FUS test encompassed a range of movement tasks, including hurdles, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, ball throwing and catching, and kicking and stopping a ball that allows for a thorough evaluation of FMS proficiency. Results. The study revealed alarmingly low FMS proficiency levels in both countries, with 93.3% of students displaying ‘insufficient FMS proficiency’. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that Latvian boys outperformed their Polish peers in jumping rope and forward roll (p < 0.05), while Polish boys exhibited superior results in kicking and stopping a ball (p < 0.05). In contrast, Polish girls achieved significantly higher scores in hurdles and kicking and stopping a ball (p < 0.05) compared to Latvian girls, who scored higher in jumping rope (p < 0.05). Conclusions. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective, evidence-based interventions to improve motor competence in both countries, emphasizing the importance of incorporating FMS development into physical education curricula and promoting regular PA for children.

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Subject

Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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