Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical fitness (PF) is a multifaceted construct that contributes to overall health and wellbeing at all points in the lifespan. PF has been linked with motor skill competence (MSC), and perceived motor skill competence (PMC), with higher levels of MSC and PMC being associated with higher levels of PF in children, adolescents and young male adults. However, the relationship between MSC, PMC and PF has remained underexplored in both male and female young adults. PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship among composite PF, MSC and PMC of college-aged adults, while hypothesizing that MSC and PMC will positively predict PF. METHODS: College students (n = 61) aged 18-25 from a university in the Southwestern US participated in the study. PF was measured through handgrip strength, plank, push-up, and PACER. MSC was assessed with a throw/catch task, kick/receive task, and standing long jump. PMC was assessed using self-reported items that evaluated participant’s perceived ability and confidence in games and sport. The composite scores of PF and MSC were derived separately by calculating average scores across all task trials. A correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship among composite scores of PF, MSC and PMC, while multiple linear regression was used to examine whether composite MSC and PMC predicted composite PF. RESULTS: There was a significant, positive and moderate relationship between composite PF and MSC (r = .471, p < 0.05), composite MSC and PMC (r = .614, p < 0.05), and between composite PF and PMC (r =.308, p = 0.01). Composite PF was significantly predicted by composite MC and PMC, F (2, 62) = 10.954, p < 0.05. Composite MSC and PMC jointly explained 26.1% of the variance in composite PF, a strong effect. CONCLUSION: MSC and PMC predicted about 26% of the variance in PF, suggesting that college aged adults who are more skilled and have greater perceptions of their skill will likely demonstrate higher levels of PF. Enhancing both actual motor skills and an individual’s perceptions of their motor skills may be essential for fitness and its consequent lifelong health benefits. Physical activity and fitness programs geared toward college students should be planned with an emphasis on motor skill development and strategies that build perceived competence.
Recommended Citation
Osuji, Chukwuebuka Ebenezer and True, Larissa
(2026)
"Relationship Among Composite Physical Fitness, Motor Competence, and Perceived Motor Competence in College-aged Students,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 100.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/100