Addressing Disparities in Fundamental Motor Skills through Sport-Based Positive Youth Development: Research at LiFEsports
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| Title: | Addressing Disparities in Fundamental Motor Skills through Sport-Based Positive Youth Development: Research at LiFEsports |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Samantha Bates (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Motor Learning and Development. 2026 14(1). |
| Availability: | Human Kinetics, Inc. 1607 North Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 800-474-4457; Fax: 217-351-1549; e-mail: info@hkusa.com; Web site: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jmld/jmld-overview.xml |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Psychomotor Skills, Athletics, Youth Programs, Children, Preadolescents, Gender Differences, Program Effectiveness, Skill Development, Time, Motor Development, Summer Programs |
| Geographic Terms: | Ohio |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Test of Gross Motor Development |
| DOI: | 10.1123/jmld.2025-0033 |
| ISSN: | 2325-3193 2325-3215 |
| Abstract: | Fundamental motor skills are critical for the holistic development of youth and predictive of future physical activity and sport involvement. LiFEsports is one sport-based positive youth development program known to produce social development outcomes; however, its contribution to fundamental motor skills development has not yet been studied. This study examined changes in object control (OC) skills (M = 3.04, SD = 4.49) among 72 youth aged 8-12 who participated in the LiFEsports program. Overall, the mean OC scaled score prior to the program was 8.46 (SD = 2.81), while the mean at posttest was 9.75 (SD = 2.82). Analysis of variance analyses were used to explore pre- and posttest outcomes over time, as well as the effects by sex and return status. Time was a significant predictor of growth in OC skills, along with sex differences at pre- and posttests, with male participants outperforming female participants. There was also a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between sex and return status. Follow-up analyses revealed consistent sex differences (p <0 .05) for nonreturners; however, returners eliminated existing sex differences in OC skills. This study provides initial evidence for how LiFEsports participation contributes to fundamental motor skills development, a prerequisite for long-term involvement in sport and physical activity. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508586 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Fundamental motor skills are critical for the holistic development of youth and predictive of future physical activity and sport involvement. LiFEsports is one sport-based positive youth development program known to produce social development outcomes; however, its contribution to fundamental motor skills development has not yet been studied. This study examined changes in object control (OC) skills (M = 3.04, SD = 4.49) among 72 youth aged 8-12 who participated in the LiFEsports program. Overall, the mean OC scaled score prior to the program was 8.46 (SD = 2.81), while the mean at posttest was 9.75 (SD = 2.82). Analysis of variance analyses were used to explore pre- and posttest outcomes over time, as well as the effects by sex and return status. Time was a significant predictor of growth in OC skills, along with sex differences at pre- and posttests, with male participants outperforming female participants. There was also a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between sex and return status. Follow-up analyses revealed consistent sex differences (p <0 .05) for nonreturners; however, returners eliminated existing sex differences in OC skills. This study provides initial evidence for how LiFEsports participation contributes to fundamental motor skills development, a prerequisite for long-term involvement in sport and physical activity. |
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| ISSN: | 2325-3193 2325-3215 |
| DOI: | 10.1123/jmld.2025-0033 |
