The relationship between physical activity performance levels and child development among children in AlAhsa city

Background: Physical activity, encompassing any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure through muscular effort, is integral to health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. In children, it plays a crucial role in developing fundamental motor skills (FMS) such as stability, locomotion, and object control, which form the basis for more complex physical and athletic abilities. The early childhood phase, particularly between the ages of three and seven, represents a vital window for physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between levels of physical activity performance and developmental outcomes in school-aged children residing in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilized, employing a structured questionnaire administered to parents to collect data regarding their children's physical activity engagement and developmental progress. The questionnaire employed a four-point Likert scale (ranging from 1: strongly agree to 4: strongly disagree) to assess perceptions related to the influence of physical activity on physical, cognitive, and social domains of child development. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to extract meaningful interpretations.

Results: Results demonstrated a significant positive perception of physical activity’s role in enhancing children's social capabilities and cooperative behaviors, with a mean agreement score of 3.40. Furthermore, physical activity was widely recognized for contributing to physical development, particularly muscle and bone health, with a mean score of 3.54.

Conclusion: The findings emphasize the diverse developmental benefits of regular physical activity in children, notably in physical, cognitive, and social domains. The role of parents emerged as pivotal in promoting and maintaining children’s participation in active behaviors. These insights highlight the importance of implementing targeted awareness initiatives and structured physical activity programs to support the comprehensive development and well-being of children.