A recent study conducted by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä has highlighted the significant role that outdoor activities and multisport participation play in the development of children’s motor skills. The three-year longitudinal study, which tracked children from early childhood education to school age, found that even modest amounts of outdoor play can enhance motor competence, with benefits particularly evident in girls.
The study followed 627 children across Finland, assessing their physical activity, motor skills, and perceived competence from ages 3 to 11. One of the key findings is that 30 minutes of outdoor activity following a day at childcare can have a noticeable impact on children’s motor skills. “Just 30 minutes of daily outdoor time after a day at childcare predicted better motor competence in school-age girls,” said Nanne-Mari Luukkainen, a doctoral researcher and university teacher involved in the study.
While outdoor activity was linked to motor competence in girls, the same correlation was not found in boys, possibly due to boys being more active in general. Despite this, the study emphasized that both independent outdoor play and multisport involvement are crucial to children’s physical development.
“Engaging in two or more sports during early childhood education predicted better motor competence later in school age,” Luukkainen added. The study demonstrated that multisport activities are particularly effective in strengthening motor skills, reinforcing the importance of encouraging children to participate in a variety of physical activities.
The study also underscores the value of both structured and unstructured physical activities in fostering holistic development. “Coaches and physical education teachers should consider the significance of both organised and non-organised physical activities in children’s growth,” said Luukkainen, urging educators to promote diverse physical engagements.
This research is part of a broader longitudinal study examining children’s physical activity patterns and the development of motor competence. By including children from a wide range of geographical backgrounds and populations across Finland, the study provides important insights into the factors influencing motor skills and active lifestyles in early childhood.
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