Introduction: Movement is essential to life and plays a key role in development throughout childhood. Movement can be assessed by its quantity and quality. Movement is important to measure as it can aid early intervention. Current research suggests that global levels of fitness are declining, with a lack of research surrounding children’s natural fitness levels as they get older. Quantity of movement is commonly studied, however quality is becoming increasingly popular. A clear understanding of the methods of technology used to measure quality of movement is important as understanding this area will aid in designing appropriate interventions.Methods: This thesis comprises of two experimental studies. Study one is a repeated measures design using previously collected Swanlinx data to investigate how components of children’s fitness change over a one-year period. Study two is a scoping review investigating the measurement of quality of movement with technology in the form of MEM’s devices, while aiming to gain clarity on the definition of quality.Results: Study one revealed that children’s fitness levels increase across a one-year period, in all components of fitness, except sit and reach. Boys performed significantly better in all fitness components, apart from sit and reach. Study two demonstrated the broad field that is included under the term of quality, showing clarity is needed in this area. A large number of devices, movements and populations are being observed, with multiple definitions of quality which is dependent on the metrics collected.Conclusion: Study one concludes that children’s fitness levels increase over one-year, with boys performing better than girls. This can be used to understand children’s natural fitness levels and aid future interventions in participation. Study two concludes that there are multiple ways to assess quality of movement however a clear definition of the quality should be stated, aiding comparison of quality
