Associations Between Fundamental Motor Skill Domains and Physical Fitness Components in 5-11-Year-Old Children.

This study investigates the relationship between fundamental motor skills (FMS) and physical fitness (PF) in 720 Brazilian elementary school children aged 5 to 11, using the Furtado-Gallagher Children Observational Movement Pattern Assessment System (FG-COMPASS) for FMS and the Brazil Sports Project Battery Test for PF. Results indicate significant gender and age differences in motor skills and PF, with manipulative skills showing stronger associations with neuromuscular fitness components than locomotor skills. Hierarchical regression models revealed that flexibility, muscular strength, agility, and speed predict variations in FMS domains, independent of sociodemographic factors. The findings support a bidirectional relationship between FMS and PF, emphasizing the importance of early, diverse physical activity interventions to foster motor competence and fitness, which may influence lifelong physical activity patterns.