Body image, perceived physical ability, and motor performance in nonoverweight and overweight Italian children

Percept Mot Skills. 2009 Feb;108(1):209-18. doi: 10.2466/PMS.108.1.209-218.

Abstract

The purpose was to examine body image, perceived physical ability, and motor performance in nonoverweight (n=105, 53 boys and 52 girls) and overweight (n=105, 52 boys and 53 girls) children, ranging in age from 8 to 10 years and attending elementary schools in southeastern Italy. Body image was measured on Collins' Child Figure Drawings, while self-efficacy was assessed by the Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children. Age-appropriate field-based tests of standing long jump, 1-kg medicine-ball throw, basketball throw, and 10-m and 20-m sprint from a standing position were also administered to gauge motor performance. Univariate analyses of variance [2 (group) x 2 (sex) x 3 (8, 9, 10 yr.)] showed that overweight children reported larger body-dissatisfaction scores, lower self-efficacy scores, and poorer performance on weight-bearing tasks than nonoverweight peers. In addition, boys had higher mean scores on physical self-efficacy and better performance on all motor tests. The correlation between Body Mass Index and body dissatisfaction was positive for boys and girls.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Image*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Overweight*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Sex Factors
  • Task Performance and Analysis