RUN-UP study: an interdisciplinarity cross-sectional study

Abstract

Motor competence (MC) is positively associated with several aspects of health (i.e., physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and healthy weight status (WS)). In turn, PA and WS are important to MC. From a health perspective, promoting PA in children is an effective strategy for children struggling with overweight and obesity, with MC being identified as foundational for PA engagement. The multifactorial problem of increasing obesity and physical inactivity is influenced by social and cultural contexts (family, nutrition and diet, peers, etc.). This RUN-UP STUDY (Unraveling the role of nutritional status on actual and perceived motor competence and physical activity among Portuguese children) aims to explore the relationships between children’s WS, nutritional status, actual and perceived motor competence, physical activity, screen- ‐time and sleep quality, health‐related fitness, mental health, social acceptance, and health biomarkers. Additionally, this research project aims to highlight the importance of simultaneously targeting, monitoring, and promoting MC, healthy eating habits, and physical activity in school and community settings, to help children achieve a healthier