Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem causing not only morbidity and premature mortality, but it is also a major economic burden worldwide. One of the cornerstones of a physically active lifestyle is Motor Competence (MC). MC is a complex biocultural attribute and therefore, its study requires a multi-sectoral, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach. MC is a growing area of research, especially in children and adolescents due to its positive association with a plethora of health and developmental outcomes. Many questions, however, remain to be answered in this field of research, with regard to: (i) Health and Developmental-related Associations of MC; (ii) Assessment of MC; (iii) Prevalence and Trends of MC; (iv) Correlates and Determinants of MC; (v) MC Interventions, and (vi) Translating MC Research into Practice and Policy. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature, summarizing current knowledge, identifying key research gaps and presenting questions for future investigation on MC in children and adolescents. This is a collaborative effort from the International Motor Competence Network (IMCNetwork) a network of academics and researchers aiming to promote international collaborative research and knowledge translation in the expansive field of MC. The knowledge and deliverables generated by addressing and answering the aforementioned research questions on MC presented in this review have the potential to shape the ways in which researchers and practitioners promote MC and physical activity in children and adolescents across the world.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, have been historically under-represented due to the lack of surveillance of physical behaviours in young populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe and compare overall physical activity (PA), active transportation to and from school (i.e. walking or cycling), physical education (PE) participation, and sedentary behaviour (SB) in adolescents from 26 countries in LAC. Data were collected in the Global School-based Student Health Survey (2007–13). Prevalences for each physical behaviour were compared by sex across the region. In total, 64 034 adolescents provided complete data (age range: 11 to 18 years; 47.7% male). Only about 15% of adolescents in LAC countries were physically active (at least 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA) with most countries showing sex disparities. Overall, 41.9% reported being active for transportation to and from school at least 3 days per week. In 12 countries, at least 50% of the adolescents reported sitting ≥3 h per day outside school, and a third of adolescents reported participation in PE classes on 3 days or more per week. The study sets a challenge for the LAC region, as physical inactivity and SB are highly prevalent across all countries. Gender inequity was shown in most countries, with boys reporting more active behaviours. Regional and national actions for implementing policies to revert this situation are urgent.

(1) Background: The association between actual and perceived motor competence (MC) is one of the underlying mechanisms that influence the practice of physical activity. This study mainly aimed to analyze the structure and correlations between actual and perceived MC in schoolchildren and to compare actual and perceived MC between girls and boys. (2) Methods: A total of 467 fifth and sixth graders (43.9% girls, M = 11.26, SD = 0.70) participated. Actual and perceived MC were assessed. To examine the proposed four factor models, structural equation models (factor analyses, latent correlations, invariance testing for gender) were conducted. Student t-test for independent samples was used to compare boys and girls. (3) Results: Proposed models achieved acceptable fit values with moderate correlation between the factors according to the type of MC in actual and perceived MC. Invariant factor structure in boys and girls was revealed. Boys performed and perceived themselves higher in object control than girls; whereas girls showed higher actual and perceived self-movement than boys. (4) Conclusions: The association between actual and perceived MC exists both globally and separately by gender, despite the differences between boys and girls. It is important to consider the role of gender and type of MC in the development of motor competencies, as well as in the strengthening of the children’s sense of competence.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer la percepción del estudiantado acerca de las prácticas pedagógicas que favorecen u obstaculizan la inclusión educativa en el aula de Educación Física. Además, develar las creencias del profesorado de Educación Física sobre la inclusión educativa. El estudio posee un alcance exploratorio-descriptivo y utiliza un método mixto. Los participantes fueron seleccionados en forma intencionada y corresponde a 163 estudiantes que cursan sétimo y octavo año de educación básica y 7 profesores de Educación Física pertenecientes a establecimientos escolares de las comunas de Temuco y Los Ángeles, Chile. Los instrumentos de recolección de información utilizados fueron un cuestionario de valoración de prácticas inclusivas, aplicado al estudiantado, y entrevistas en profundidad aplicadas al profesorado de Educación Física. Los resultados indican que se advierten como factores que favorecen la inclusión en el aula de Educación Física las habilidades personales del profesorado, la clase como un ambiente que beneficia las relaciones. Como factores obstaculizadores surgen la homogeneidad de actividades, la constante competición y la heteroevaluación como principal medio para evaluar el logro de aprendizajes del estudiantado. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze students’ perception of the practices that favor or obstruct educational inclusion in Physical Education settings. Also, to inquire about teachers’ beliefs on the subject. The study has an exploratory-descriptive scope and uses a mixed method. Participants included were 163 students in the 7th and 8th grade of the Temuco and Los Angeles, Chile, and 7 teachers of Physical Education at all levels, all of whom were intentionally selected. The instruments of data collection were a questionnaire of inclusive practices, and in-depth interviews. Factors that favor inclusion include physical education teachers’ personal skills, and the class as an environment that benefits relationships. As a hindrance factor, homogeneity of activities arises, constant competition, and hetero-evaluation as the main means to evaluate the achievement of students' learning.

To summarize the results of Chile's 2022 Report Card (RC) on physical activity (PA) for Children and Adolescents. Chile's 2022 RC included ten core PA indicators common to the Global Matrix 4.0. Evidence from scientific articles, reports, and databases published between 2018 and January 2022 was included for each indicator. The data were collected and analyzed by a national scientific committee, which assigned letter grades (A to F) using a consensus based on benchmarks defined and revised by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. The committee assigned the following grades: Overall PA, D-; Organized Sports and Physical Activity Participation, C-; Active Play, Incomplete; Active Transportation, D; Sedentary Behavior, D-; Physical Fitness, Incomplete; Family and Peers, D; School, C; Community and Environment, D+; Government, A-. Chile's 2022 RC, like its previous versions, shows persistently low grades for most indicators. Overall PA remained nearly unchanged, while Community and Environment scored lower. Slight improvements were seen in Organized Sports, Family and Peers, and School Environment. While Chile has endeavored to increase children's activity levels, policies require implementation through a systemic, coherent framework to promote sustainable changes and reach a larger portion of children and youth.