Construct validity of the PERF-FIT, a test of motor skill-related fitness for children in low resource areas

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the relationship between physical fitness and motor performance a test battery was developed that measures both components combined. AimFollowing the development of the Performance and Fitness (PERF-FIT) battery, this study investigated the construct validity with the ultimate aim of identifying attributes that discriminate between different levels of motor abilities and anaerobic or musculoskeletal fitness. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 34 children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and 34 matched typically developing children participated (7–10 years). The PERF-FIT was used to examine known group validity. The PERF-FIT items were also compared to test items of well-known standardized tests to examine concurrent validity. ResultsConcurrent validity was found to be of the expected low to moderate magnitude. Children with DCD were consistently found to have lower levels of motor skill-related fitness compared to typically developing children. Conclusion and implicationsThe PERF-FIT seems to be a valid test to measure movement skills, musculoskeletal fitness and agility in children between the ages of 7 and 10 years in low resourced communities. The test seems to discriminate between gross motor skills, and agility and power in children with and without DCD.