Validating the dance fundamental movement skills assessment for balance

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Dance Fundamental Movement Skills Assessment (DFMS-A) examines fundamental movement skills as described by Footprints Dance Project in their teaching resource: Footprints Movement Tool. It was designed to inform teaching practice, highlighting students’ strengths and weaknesses. In addition to providing holistic assessment for the whole dancer, the DFMS-A provides an extended score range encompassing the higher level of corporal expectation demanded of dancers, as opposed to pass/fail metrics (normal/abnormal). The current study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the balance component of the DFMS-A using a sample population from the University. The DFMS-A was compared with three standard physical assessments of balance: Y balance test, Single Leg Stance (SLS) test, and Functional reach test. Pearson Correlations demonstrated significant correlations between the DFMS-A and Y balance and SLS tests respectively (r = 0.745–0.974; p < 0.008), with minimal correlation found with the Functional Reach test. Intra-rater reliability was tested 1.5 years after the original assessment was completed, and demonstrated high reliability (>85%). These positive results support the use of the DFMS-A as a comprehensive balance assessment with more depth than current tests, suggesting it may warrant further testing in other aspects of functional movement such as weight transfer and body alignment.