Motor competence across the life span: A cross-sectional study of Iranians aged 5 to 85 years

OBJECTIVES: To measure motor competence among a representative sample of Iranians aged 5-85 years. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Motor competence was assessed quantitatively by the Test of Motor Competence; two fine motor skills (placing and building bricks) and two gross motor skills (heel-to-toe-walking and walking/running in slopes) to assess dynamic balance. Task scores were summed and transformed into standardized scores (z-scores). Data were stratified by 12 chronological age groups and sex. RESULTS: Participants were 500 Iranians aged 5-85 years (females = 64%, age 5-35 years = 82%). There were significant age differences in motor competence and the distribution between age and z-score distribution was u-shaped. Between childhood and adolescence there was a rapid improvement in motor competence with maximal speed (-2 standard deviations) occurring among 19-25-year-olds. For each decade after age 25 years, z-scores progressively decreased approximately 1 standard deviations until age ≥56 years when performance decreased to approximately the same speeds as children (> +3 standard deviations). Sex differences were observed between children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The sample characteristics constrain the generalizability of our findings. The Test of Motor Competence is easy to administer, uses a standardized test battery for people aged 5-85 years, and the quantitative outcome enables longitudinal monitoring of motor competence across the life course. As life expectancy and the proportion of populations aged >65 years increases, understanding how to maintain health in older age is an important public health issue in 21st century.