Laura Sharman 28 January 2022

Lack of movement skills in children risks a 'tsunami' of health issues

Lack of movement skills in children risks a tsunami of health issues image
Image: DGLimages / Shutterstock.com

The UK will face a 'tsunami' of health issues unless the physical activity skills of children and teenagers are improved, academics have warned today.

The academics, working with the International Motor Development Research Consortium, have highlighted a 'worrying' low level of motor competence of children and adolescents in the UK and Ireland.

This could lead to an increase in obesity, diabetes and mental disorders unless addressed, they said.

They are calling on schools, community sports and healthcare systems to focus on enhancing fundamental movement skills such as balancing, running, throwing and catching.

'The potential long-term impacts of low fundamental movement skills include higher rates of inactivity and poorer health and well-being,' explained Professor Mike Duncan from Coventry University’s research Centre for Sports, Exercise and Life Sciences.

He added: 'We believe skill levels are so low that children do not currently have sufficient foundation to successfully participate in different forms of physical activity and without this we are likely to see increasing ill health related to obesity, diabetes, and mental wellbeing. There is an urgent need to ensure that children are taught the movement skills that will enable them to be active for life.'

He also warned the data was collected pre-pandemic so due to lockdown and homeschooling, the situation is likely to have worsened in the past few years.

A study in 2019 shows less than 20% of children in the UK aged six to nine years had mastered the four key motor skills - run, jump, throw, catch - identified by the PE National Curriculum.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner