Influence of certain socio-demographic factors on the relationships between motor and cognitive abilities of primary school children

The main objective of this study is to determine the influence of certain socio-demographic factors on the relationships between motor and cognitive abilities of the primary school students. A total of 398 primary school students from the urban and rural environment, aged 12 to 14, were tested for motor and cognitive abilities. The influence of relevant socio-demographic factors was examined by means of a multiple hierarchical regression analysis. Two socio-demographic variables had a significant influence on the motor and cognitive abilities: residential status and father's education. Urban students revealed better results in motor (except for rural girls) and cognitive ability tests. Father's education level was the second factor exerting an additional impact on these abilities, showing higher values for the urban environment students.