title: Early motor skill competence as a mediator of child and adult physical activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In order to effectively promote physical activity (PA) during childhood, and across the lifespan, a better understanding of the role of early motor skill development on child and adult PA is needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we propose a conceptual model delineating the hypothesized influence of motor skill development on child and adult PA, while providing an overview of the current empirical research related to this model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is consistent and emerging evidence showing that adequate motor skill competence, particularly locomotor and gross motor skills, is associated with increased PA levels during the preschool, child, and adolescent years, with early motor skill development also influencing enjoyment of PA as well as long-term PA and motor skill performance. The physical education setting appears to be a well-suited environment for motor skill development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Employing appropriate strategies to target motor skill development across the childhood years is of paramount interest in helping shape children's PA behavior, their experiences related to PA, as well as maintain their PA.
authors: Center for Health Behavior Research, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States.
authors: Paul D
authors: PD
authors: Loprinzi
authors: Center for Health Behavior Research, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States.
authors: Robert E
authors: RE
authors: Davis
authors: Applied Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States.
authors: Yang-Chieh
authors: YC
authors: Fu
keywords: Child development; Exercise; Motor development