Addressing Disparities in Fundamental Motor Skills Through Sport-Based Positive Youth Development: Research at LiFEsports

Fundamental motor skills are critical for the holistic development of youth and predictive of future physical activity and sport involvement. LiFE sports is one sport-based positive youth development program known to produce social development outcomes; however, its contribution to fundamental motor skills development has not yet been studied. This study examined changes in object control (OC) skills ( M = 3.04, SD = 4.49) among 72 youth aged 8–12 who participated in the LiFE sports program. Overall, the mean OC scaled score prior to the program was 8.46 ( SD = 2.81), while the mean at posttest was 9.75 ( SD = 2.82). Analysis of variance analyses were used to explore pre- and posttest outcomes over time, as well as the effects by sex and return status. Time was a significant predictor of growth in OC skills, along with sex differences at pre- and posttests, with male participants outperforming female participants. There was also a significant interaction ( p < .05) between sex and return status. Follow-up analyses revealed consistent sex differences ( p < .05) for nonreturners; however, returners eliminated existing sex differences in OC skills. This study provides initial evidence for how LiFE sports participation contributes to fundamental motor skills development, a prerequisite for long-term involvement in sport and physical activity.