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.
Highlights
Physical activity participation is widely recognized as a critical component of health and development for children with and without disabilities (Ross, Case, & Leung, 2016)
Results of Fundamental Motor Skills The average raw score for Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD)-2 locomotor subtest was 39.3 ± 8.3 points that correspond to the age of 6.3 years and is for 3.3 years lower than the mean chronological age of participants
Data analysis based on the performance of fundamental motor skills In addition, this study explored whether the performance level of fundamental movement skills (FMS) was associated with physical fitness outcomes for children with disabilities
Summary
Physical activity participation is widely recognized as a critical component of health and development for children with and without disabilities (Ross, Case, & Leung, 2016). Several authors have indicated that physical activity in childhood is believed to contribute to the development of healthy lifestyles in adulthood, preventing inactivity-related health problems (Koldoff & Holtzclaw, 2015; Giagazoglou et al, 2013). Li and colleagues (2016) indicated that children with cerebral palsy (CP) participated for 13% to 53% less in physical activities than peers with typical development. Capio and colleagues (2015) found that improvement of FMS in children with CP contributed to heightened daily physical activity level.
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