Current Approaches to Motor Competence Assessment in School-Age Children

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of motor competence is particularly evident at school ages when any intervention approaches have the most significant impact. Aim of Study: The theoretical study aims to provide an overview and compare the descriptive and psychometric characteristics of the assessment tools that we can use to determine the level of motor competence in primary school-aged children. We paid particular attention to the possibilities of identifying motor competence deficits. Material and Methods: From the overview list of assessment tools, we selected the following for more detailed analysis: Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2, Körperkoordinatationstest für Kinder, Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition, Test zur Erfassung motorischer Basiskompetenzen. The presented article compares the possibilities of using these tests in the European environment in terms of their psychometric and descriptive characteristics. Results: Each submitted tests has certain advantages and disadvantages in the practical use, collection, evaluation, and interpretation of the data. Based on established criteria in descriptive and psychometric characteristics, we selected using the comparative method as the most appropriate means to assess the level of motor competence of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition. Conclusion: The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition, presents the most comprehensive diagnostic tool to assess motor competence and its difficulties, despite shortcomings such as the absence of normative-related criteria in more European countries and time-consuming testing. The time-consuming test and the suitability of individual access to the person being tested to collect and evaluate data make it difficult to establish the test battery as the gold standard in motor competence diagnostics. From a practical point of view, the material presented will help facilitate the choice of a specific assessment tool according to the educational or clinical goal of the research