Analysis of Correlations Between Gross and Fine Motor Skills, Physical Fitness, and the Level of Functioning in Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction. Physical fitness affects motor and intellectual development. Having a wide range of motor skills makes it possible to learn about the surrounding world and expand one’s knowledge. In the case of persons with intellectual disabilities, mastering gross and fine motor skills is the core of their development and functioning in society. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between physical fitness, gross and fine motor skills, and the level of functioning in schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. Material and methods. The study involved 62 subjects whose age ranged from 9 to 24 years. Due to the large size and homogeneity of the group, the results of 26 subjects were considered in the analysis: 12 girls and 14 boys with moderate intellectual disability. Physical disability as well as gross and fine motor skills were measured with the BOT-2, TGMD- 2, and Eurofit Special tests. The level of functioning in society was assessed with a specially designed ICF-based questionnaire. Results. The study showed that girls had better motor skills than boys; this was reflected in the participants’ level of functioning as girls displayed a higher level of functioning. Boys, despite better physical fitness, were ranked on a lower level of functioning. Conclusions. A relationship was found between gross and fine motor skills and the level of functioning, assessed with BOT-2 and TGMD-2. No relationship was found between physical fitness, assessed with Eurofit Special, and the level of functioning. Instead of using assessment tools for general fitness, one should measure specific motor skills when assessing physical and motor development in children with intellectual disabilities.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Motor Coordination, and Academic Achievement in School Students (11-13 years)

“…These outcomes align with other studies that have shown significant correlations between fine and gross motor abilities in school students. 6,8,44,45 Results highlight that regular motor coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness screening programs in schools must be implemented and integrated into existing health programs. 46 A potential limitation of this study is that we used a convenience sample and a sample size calculation was not performed.…”

Penerapan Permainan Tradisional Bakiak dalam Meningkatkan Motorik Kasar Anak Usia Dini: Studi Kasus di TK Al-Khairaat Kabupaten Parigi Moutong

“…Gerakan merupakan bagian tak terpisahkan dari keberadaan manusia, dan aktivitas fisik sudah terjadi pada hari-hari pertama kehidupan (Skowroński et al, 2018). Permainan tradisional bakiak merupakan permainan yang mudah dijumpai disekitar tempat tinggal, berbeda dengan permainan modern yang lebih banyak menggunakan biaya serta membuat anak menjadi malas melatih otot-otot besar, serta hanya merusak indera penglihatan.…”

“…Manfaat perkembangan motorik, anak memperoleh keterampilan yang semakin kompleks. Pengembangan keterampilan motorik yang tepat merupakan sumber kesenangan, kepuasan, dan kegembiraan bagi mereka (Skowroński et al, 2018). Studi tentang interaksi antara keterampilan motorik kasar dan halus penting untuk mengidentifikasi strategi baru untuk meningkatkan pembelajaran motorik selama masa kanak-kanak (Sorgente et al, 2021).…”

The effect of 10 weeks of karate training on the development of motor skills in children who are new to karate

“…In his theory of motor development, Gallahue examined motor development in four periods. These periods are the period of reflexive movements, the period of primitive movements, the period of basic movements, and the period of sports movements ( Skowroński et al, 2018 ). Preschool and school periods are the periods of basic movements of children.…”