Gender Differences in Motor Skill Development and Physical Activity Patterns Among Adolescents

Introduction: Gender differences in motor competence (MC) and physical activity (PA) emerge during adolescence, potentially influencing lifelong health behaviors. Recognizing these disparities is essential for developing targeted strategies that encourage active lifestyles.
Objective: To investigate gender differences in MC and PA patterns among adolescents.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 adolescents aged 12–16 years (75 boys, 75 girls) recruited from four secondary schools. MC was assessed using the TGMD-3. PA was objectively measured via accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Independent-samples t-tests and Pearson correlations utilized for data analysis.
Results: Boys demonstrated significantly higher object control (35.8±5.2 vs. 30.7±4.9; t(148)=7.05, p<0.001, d=1.15) and total MC scores (67.9±8.3 vs. 64.2±7.9; t(148)=3.10, p=0.002, d=0.50), while locomotor skills were slightly higher in girls but not statistically significant (33.5±4.6 vs. 32.1±4.8; t(148)=−1.79, p=0.08). Boys engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) than girls (61.2±12.5 vs. 48.3±11.8 min/day; t(148)=6.48, p<0.001, d=1.06). Object control skills were positively correlated with MVPA in both boys (r =0.42, p<0.001) and girls (r=0.36, p=0.002).
Conclusion: Gender differences in object control skills and PA exist during adolescence, with higher competence associated with greater MVPA. Interventions targeting skill development, particularly object control in girls, may help reduce disparities in PA and support lifelong active behaviors.