Peer-reviewed article

Physical Activity in Early Childhood: Associations With Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Enjoyment in Physical Education.

Lee U, De Meester A, Brian A · 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) in early childhood offers health and developmental benefits, yet many children engage in insufficient PA. This study examined associations among actual motor competence (AMC), perceived motor competence (PMC), enjoyment in physical education (PE), and PA, and identified factors associated with PA among preschool-aged children. A convenience sample of young children (N = 51; 49% boys; Mage = 59.4 months) from a U.S. early childhood center participated in this descriptive-correlational study. AMC was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition, PMC using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence, enjoyment in PE using a developmentally appropriate five-point Likert scale, and PA was operationalized as moderate-to-vigorous PA measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Spearman's correlation analyses revealed a positive association between AMC and PA (ρ = 0.45, p < .001). No significant associations were found between PMC and PA or between enjoyment in PE and PA. Multiple regression analyses indicated only AMC was significantly associated with PA. These findings suggest that AMC may be associated with PA in early childhood and that relationships among AMC, PMC, and enjoyment may not yet be fully established. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is needed.