Impact of television on children's motor skills development
Posted: 08/17/2012
It is a known fact that kids who spend most of their time sitting around in front of the television, or computer, are more likely to struggle with weight gain and obesity.
Being sedentary can have other consequences, however.
A new study out of Portugal finds lack of movement can seriously impede the development of basic motor skills.
The study examined the physical activity of 200 9-year-old and 10-year-old children. The children spent 75% of their time being sedentary, on average.
When the children were asked to perform a test of basic motor functions, the ones who were more physically active tended to perform better. Children who spent more time sitting down were more likely to display abnormal motor function.
Researchers are concerned abnormalities at such a young age will lead to poor motor function as children grow older.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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