TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A study conducted by National Taiwan Normal University tracked 3,540 children and found that over 80% of those aged 3 to 8 fail to meet the WHO’s recommended daily exercise duration of one hour.
The study tracked 1,175 children aged 3 to 6 and 2,365 children aged 7 to 8, with a near-equal gender distribution of 51% boys and 49% girls. Researchers analyzed long-term tracking data to examine key factors affecting physical activity and motor skill development, per CNA.
The WHO recommends that children and adolescents aged five to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Additionally, they should participate in muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least three times per week.
Findings suggest that insufficient exercise may hinder children's overall health, cognitive abilities, and academic performance. Children who engage in more types of physical activity for longer durations and at higher intensities show better development in both gross and fine motor skills.
Motor skills encompass the body's use of muscles for specific tasks, such as crawling and writing. They are broadly divided into fine motor skills, involving smaller muscles in the hands and wrist, and gross motor skills, engaging larger muscle groups.
The research revealed that while Taiwanese children’s motor skills improve steadily with age, the most rapid development occurs between ages 3 to 5. However, gender differences were evident in different types of motor skills.
Girls performed significantly better in fine motor skills, such as twisting open and securely tightening a bottle cap. Boys outperformed girls in gross motor skills, such as continuously jumping forward using both feet.
The study found that household chores can contribute to motor development. Tasks such as taking out the trash and hanging laundry help build gross motor skills.
Wiping tables and folding clothes improve fine motor skills. Rotating responsibilities allow children to practice a variety of movements and enhance overall motor development.
To address the issue, the research team suggests that parents help children develop exercise habits early, encourage participation in household chores, and provide diverse physical activities. They also recommend that schools increase the time allocated for physical activities, make physical education classes more engaging, and encourage movement during recess and after school.