Exploring Cross-Cultural Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency Between Polish and Latvian Children

• DOI: 10.2478/pjst-2023-0014
• Publication Date: 2023-10-03T19:25:22Z
• Authors: Hubert Makaruk; Juris Grants; Anna Bodasińska; Inta Bula-Biteniece; Janusz Zieliński; Irēna Dravniece; Marcin Starzak; Kalvis Ciekurs; Krzysztof Piech; Beata Makaruk; Janis Žīdens; Kārlis Kalniņš; Jerzy Sadowski
• Keywords: Latvian

Abstract Introduction. Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are a critical component of success in various sports and lifelong physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate compare the FMS proficiency levels 7-9-year-old children from Poland Latvia, providing insights into current state competence these populations. Material Methods. A cross-sectional design was utilized, incorporating sample 163 boys girls. The FUS test (Fundamental Motor Skills Sport), comprehensive, qualitative, process-oriented assessment tool used assess FMS. encompassed range movement tasks, including hurdles, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, throwing catching, kicking stopping that allows for thorough evaluation proficiency. Results. revealed alarmingly low both countries, with 93.3% students displaying ‘insufficient proficiency’. Mann-Whitney U showed Latvian outperformed their Polish peers rope roll (p < 0.05), while exhibited superior results 0.05). In contrast, girls achieved significantly higher scores hurdles 0.05) compared girls, who scored Conclusions. These findings highlight urgent need effective, evidence-based interventions improve emphasizing importance development education curricula promoting regular PA children.