Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – It has long been established that kids who spend most of their time sitting around are more likely to struggle with weight gain and obesity.
A new study finds that the lack of exercise can seriously impede the development of basic motor skills.
Researchers studied the physical activity of more than 200 nine and 10-year-old girls and boys over five straight days. They found that, on average, the kids spent 75 percent of their time being sedentary.
When the children were asked to jump side to side, hop on one leg over an obstacle or perform some other test of basic motor coordination, those who spent most of their time sitting down were more likely to have abnormal motor function than their more physically active peers.
The researchers say having abnormalities at such a young age could lead to poor motor function as they grow older.
