Association of Physical Fitness and Motor Competence with Health and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents

• Other Authors: Drenowatz, Clemens (Editor), Greier, Klaus (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Lifestyle, sport & leisure; childhood obesity; health-related quality of life; self-concept; self-perception; physical fitness; psychosocial health; overweight; obesity; youth; cardiorespiratory fitness; muscular strength; BMI percentile; motor competence; SARS-CoV-2; adolescent fitness; young athletes; outdoor sport; horse riding; perceived health; structured sport activities; screen time; 0th-period physical education class; adolescent; parents; Q-methodology; subjectivity; motor skills; child; Test of Gross Motor Development; sex differences; motor performance; motor development; effects; influences; cross-sectional study; kindergarten; sport; health; physical education; well-being; COVID-19; adult group; fitness APP; influencing factors; sleep quality; puberty; sleep disorders; physical condition; insomnia; sleepiness; body fat; lean body mass; school; teaching; coaching
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Available research has indicated a decline in physical fitness and motor competence over the last several decades. Movement restrictions and policies that have emphasized social distancing, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, may have further increased the prevalence of youth with insufficient physical fitness and motor competence. As physical fitness and motor competence are critical contributors to an active and healthy lifestyle, it is important to re-emphasize their role in the general health and development of children and adolescents and, accordingly, future public health. Particularly with the re-opening of schools, sports clubs and public parks, the promotion of activities that enhance physical fitness and motor competence in children and adolescents is warranted. This reprint highlights the importance of physical fitness and motor competence for the health and well-being of children and adolescents, by providing an interdisciplinary platform for research addressing this topic.