Fundamental movement skill and physical fitness measures in children with disabilities

Abstract

This study aimed to explore fundamental motor skills and physical fitness outcomes in the group of children with visual, physical and intellectual disabilities. Alongside the average data outcomes, possible gender differences in all measures were also explored. In addition, the association between the level of movement performance and physical fitness variables was investigated. Participants were 82 elementary school age children with mild to moderate disabilities (mean age 9.6 years). To assess fundamental movement skills (FMS), children completed the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD)-2. Physical fitness was measured by the four tasks including 30 m run, sit-ups, functional reach test, sit and reach test and handgrip strength. The average TGMD-2 score for the study group in locomotor skills corresponded to 6.3 years of age (39.3 points), while in object control skills it was at 6.6-7.6 years of age (30.9-36.3 points). The average scores in the fitness tests were 30.1 cm in the functional reach test, 17.1 kg in Handgrip test, 14.0 rep in Sit up test and 6.78 sec in 30 m run. There were no significant differences in physical fitness tests results between boys and girls. The linear regression results presented that TGMD-2 skills significantly predicted 30 m run test [F(2; 161) = 8.965, p = .000]. Data analyses according to the level of movement performance and physical fitness showed significant associations between FMS outcomes and 30 m run test (p < .05). The present study extended the small body of research on the fundamental motor skills of children with different functional limitations while having potential to participate in daily physical activities.

Physiological Responses of Youth Players During Wheelchair Basketball Games

“…Finally, this study shows that adolescent with spina bifida and cerebral palsy can meet ACSM guidelines for level of activity by participating in WCB. The addition of testing fundamental movement skills and physical fitness measures could be utilized to obtain overall health related and skill related measures for each player (Klavina, Ostrovska, & Campa, 2017;Temple, Alston, Elder& Stuart-Hill, 2019). Furthermore, studies could incorporate measurements to assess youth WCB players quality of life and how it affected by being involved with this particular sport (Feter, Calonego, Cavanhi & del Vecchio, 2018).…”

Development of an ICT-Based Exergame Program for Children with Developmental Disabilities

“…The performance tasks consisted of jumping, running, rhythm, overhand throwing, kicking, gymnastic, and imitation activities. Previous studies determined that the level of motor skill performance and physical fitness had a significant relationship among children with [ 48 , 49 ] and without disabilities [ 50 , 51 ]. This implied physical activity interventions could influence both motor skill competency and physical fitness in children with and without disabilities.…”

A brief review on motor development: fundamental motor skills as a basis for motor skill learning

“…In physical disability children, some studies have found worse motor performance than typical developing children, 41,42 and positive effects of motor intervention programs. 43,44 Children with intellectual disability have presented worse performance than typically developing children, [45][46][47] with better performance to children that attended interventions, 47 as well as better performance of children with mild level than moderate or severe levels of disability. [48][49][50] Children with autism spectrum disorder presented fundamental skills performance below average due to poor communicative skills, 51,52,53 or to a sensorial dysregulation specific to this disorder.…”