Physical activity and fundamental movement skills: Is there a better way to teach children to move?

Participation in physical activity has been linked to motor competence, or the ability to perform fundamental movement skills. It is thought that if children are taught to perform the fundamental movement skills more successfully, there will be decreased rates of inactivity within Canada. Currently, much of the Canadian population is not meeting the minimum standards to receive the health benefits of physical activity, including obesity prevention, cardiovascular disease prevention and prevention of osteoporosis. This study seeks to examine alternative physical activity programs to determine if they have a greater success rate at teaching the fundamental movement skills in comparison to traditional sport-based programs and physical education programs. Additionally, the study will examine if alternative physical activity programs provide increased opportunity for children to engage in bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.