Fundamental Movement Skills Assessment Research Articles

Start to Move: Measuring the Feasibility of a Teacher-Led Digital Fundamental Movement Skills Assessment Tool

Purpose: This study evaluated the feasibility of the “Start to Move” (S2M) digital assessment of children’s fundamental movement skills being implemented by primary school teachers within PE lessons. Methods: Nine primary school teachers in the United Kingdom trialed S2M weekly over a 6-week period. Posttrial surveys and interviews were used to ascertain responses. Results: Feasibility was measured using seven dimensions of Bowen et al. framework; acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, and expansion. Acceptance and demand of S2M was high with participants feeling that its contents aligned to the PE curriculum. Participants were able to implement S2M with PE lessons without assistance and stated that they would continue to use it within their teaching. They felt S2M would enhance their teaching and would recommend it to other teachers. Discussion/Conclusion: S2M is feasible for primary teachers to implement within PE lessons and has the potential to heighten the use of assessment for learning within PE in primary schools.

Validity and reliability of Meu Educativo®: A new tool to assess fundamental movement skills in school-aged children.

There is evidence showing that children's proficiency in fundamental movement skills (FMS) is positively related to weight status, physical activity, fitness levels, cognitive development, as well as academic performance. Yet, the feasibility of FMS assessment is challenging, especially with relatively large samples of children. This article presents a new tool named Meu Educativo® to assess children's FMS levels, including its validity and reliability. We relied on the validity evidence approach based on test content to develop the FMS assessment checklist and the rating system with a team of experts. In this article, we used five FMS (stationary dribbling, kick, overhand throw, catch the ball, and underhand roll). Further, we conducted a series of reliability studies and used percent agreement and Cohen's kappa (κ) as statistics. Experts agreed highly on the checklist's components in the five FMS. Inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.63 for stationary dribbling to 0.93 for overhand throw, and the intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.46 to 0.94. Based on the first results, Meu Educativo® was not only easy to use, but was also a reliable tool for FMS assessments. Notwithstanding the need for future studies, Meu Educativo® is a new tool that can be used by teachers, coaches, and motor development specialists dealing with school-aged children and researchers working with large samples.

Assessment Tools Measuring Fundamental Movement Skills of Primary School Children: A Narrative Review in Methodological Perspective.

This paper aimed to analyze fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessment tools that could be used for primary school children. In this narrative review, the Motoriktest für Vier- bis Sechjärige Kinder (MOT 4-6), Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), Motorische Basiskompetenzen (MOBAK) Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK), Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), Maastricht Motoriek Test (MMT) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) were analyzed from a methodological perspective, such as the number of test items, tools and types of tests, in terms of the FMS area. The analysis revealed that to assess locomotor movement skills, the BOT-2 has an excellent test for running ability, but for detecting technical difficulties, the TGMD is recommended. To test hopping, the MMT is the best test. Object control movement skills are measured with throws, dribbles and catches. Most of the tools assessed these skills, but it turned out that the TGMD is the best for measuring object control. Stability movement skills are tested with static and dynamic balance tests. Dynamic balance is more frequently used, and the MOT 4-6, KTK and BOT-2 have the most tools to use. However, the MMT is an excellent test for static balance. Fine motor movement skills are easy to assess with the MMT and MOT 4-6, since they have low equipment requirements. The BOT-2 is the best measurement tool; however, it has high equipment requirements. All of the FMS assessment tools are good; however, we concluded that although these tools are excellent for research purposes, they are difficult to apply in a school setting. Thus, teachers and coaches are advised to always select a single task from the available assessment tools that is appropriate for the skills they would like to measure.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL LITERACY OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: BASIC APPROACHES AND TOOLS

The concept of literacy has changed at different stages of society. With the increase of cultural demands of society, nowadays, this concept is polymorphic, complex in structure, and dynamic in terms of development, given the constant refinements that consider today's challenges and demands. The study aimed to analyze the approaches and tools/techniques developed on their basis, which allow us to assess school-age children's physical literacy holistically. Well-known tools for assessing the physical literacy of schoolchildren were considered and analyzed: PHE Canada – Passport for Life, PLAY (Canadian Sport for Life – Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth Tools), 60 Min Kids Club Fundamental Movement Skills Assessment Tool, Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL). It was shown that the Passport for Life involves assessing the literacy of children of both primary and secondary school age in four components – active participation, life skills, physical fitness, and motor skills. The tool PLAY involves assessing motor skills, level of knowledge and skills, physical competence, and confidence of the respondent; during pedagogical testing, it is recommended to use the following exercises: running, jumping, throwing the ball, exercises with the ball, walking on the line. The possibilities of the tool in taking into account the age, level of physical fitness, and state of health of the participant were shown. The structure and modifications of the CAPL methodology, the possibilities of the tool for obtaining a comprehensive assessment of physical literacy, and separate data characterizing the level of physical fitness, motor behavior, behavioral aspects of motor activity, psychosocial and cognitive factors were considered. It was established that each of these tools was designed for school-age people, taking into account the level of physical activity or physical fitness of the child and the level of knowledge and behavior in different environments. Such a comprehensive assessment of the level of physical literacy provides an understanding of the factors that hinder or increase physical activity.

Keterampilan Gerak Manipulatif Siswa Sekolah Dasar Berdasarkan Gender Pasca Pandemi Covid-19

This study aimed to determine the basic manipulative movement skills of elementary school students based on gender after the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was conducted at the UPI Lab School Elementary School in Bandung. This study involved 144 students consisting of 78 male students and 66 female students. Data collection in this study was carried out by observing students' basic manipulative movement skills. The instrument used in this study uses the developed fundamental movement skill assessment format. The data analysis used is descriptive quantitative. The results showed that male students scored higher than female students, and there were differences in gender-based assessment categories between male and female students in mastering basic manipulative movement skills. Both are in a suitable category with a proportion of 56%. But they were based on the gender of male students in the excellent category, with a proportion of 55.4%, and female students in the moderate category, with a proportion of 72%. In conclusion, students' mastery of basic manipulative movement skills remains excellent after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, based on gender, male students are in a suitable category, and female students are in the excellent category.
 Keywords: Manipulative Movement, COVID-19 Pandemic, Physical Activity

Achievement in Fundamental Movement Skills, Spatial Abilities, and Mathematics among Lower Key Stage 2 Children

Research has demonstrated links between sport and mathematics learning, and their relationship with spatial abilities in children. This study explored the association between the development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and mathematics achievement, and whether the understanding of specific spatial concepts mediated these relationships. Overall, 154 Year 3 children (69 males, 85 females, aged 7-8 years) from four schools in England completed an FMS assessment involving six skills; four spatial tasks assessing intrinsic-static, intrinsic-dynamic, extrinsic-static, and extrinsic-dynamic spatial abilities; and a mathematics test assessing numerical, geometrical, and arithmetical abilities. Overall FMS ability (a combined score across the six skills) was significantly positively correlated to overall mathematics achievement. This relationship was mediated by children's performance on the intrinsic-static spatial ability test. These findings suggest that children who have more mature FMS perform better in mathematics tasks, and this could be due to more developed intrinsic-static spatial ability. However, further research is necessary to determine the mediation effects of intrinsic-dynamic and extrinsic-static spatial ability.

The relative age effect on fundamental movement skills in Chinese children aged 3–5 years

BackgroundThe cut-off date in the education system causes a relative age difference, with developmental advantages for children who are born on the “early side” of the cut-off date and disadvantages for those born later, which is known as the relative age effect (RAE). Very few studies have examined whether there is a RAE on the development of fundamental movement skills (FMSs) in preschool children, and no studies have been conducted in China. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a RAE exists on FMS in Chinese preschool children, comparing RAEs according to gender and age.MethodsFrom a total of 378 invited preschool children regularly registered at one Chinese kindergarten, a total of 288 healthy and typically developing preschoolers (4.33 ± 0.84 years-old; 56.6% boys) were included in this study. All children were required to take part in anthropometry and FMS assessments. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to examine the difference in each of the FMS items across quarter categories, year and gender groups, controlling for body mass index (BMI).ResultsFor the overall sample, the data show the significant main effects on the quarter of birth factor in locomotor skills (LC; F (3, 265) = 2.811, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), object control skills (OB; F (3, 265) = 6.319, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), and total test score (TTS; F (3, 265) = 5.988, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.063). There were also significant differences in the age effect on all the domains of FMS (FLC (2, 265) = 100.654, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.432; FOB (2, 265) = 108.430, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.450; FTTS (2, 265) = 147.234, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.526) but a gender effect only in LC (F (1, 265) = 20.858; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.073). For gender and quarter of birth groups, RAEs in LC only exists in girls. Moreover, regarding age and quarter of birth factors, RAEs are only found at younger ages.ConclusionsThis study suggests the existence of RAEs in the FMS of Chinese preschool children. Teachers need to be aware of the effect of RAEs on the FMS when approaching development, evaluation, and teaching approaches in preschools.

O8-1 24-Hour Movement Behavior and Fundamental Movement Skills in Pre-School Children: A Compositional Analysis

BackgroundStudies that have analyzed the association between the different movement behaviors and fundamental movement skills (FMS), have considered it in an independent manner, disregarding the compositional nature of 24-hour movement behaviors (24h MB). The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between the 24h MB and FMS in low-income preschoolers.MethodsTwo hundred and four preschoolers of both sexes (4.5±0.8 years old; 101boys) provided objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) data (Actigraph wGT3X), and FMS assessments (TGMD-2). Sleep duration (SD) was reported by parents through interview. Association of daily time composition of movement behaviors with FMS was explored using compositional data analysis (R Core Team, 3.6.1).ResultsOur data highlighted that no single movement behaviour significantly predicted locomotor, manipulative, or total motor competence. When data were considered as a 24h MB composition based on PA, ST and SD, adjusted for age, BMI and sex, the composition significantly predicted locomotor score (P > 0.0001; r2 = 0.31), manipulative score (P > 0.0001; r2 = 0.19) and total motor competence score (P > 0.0001; r2 = 0.35), respectively.ConclusionOur study suggests that the 24h MB composition is more important for adequate FMS then any individual, movement behavior. This represents an important finding, particularly for creating and optimizing interventions to benefit child health.

Structural validity of a test battery for assessment of fundamental movement skills in Norwegian 3–6-year-old children

ABSTRACT Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are building blocks of more advanced movements, including subdomains of locomotion, object control and balance skills, but limited evidence exists for this three-factor structure. The aim of this study was to examine the structural validity of a three-factor modified test battery of FMS across age and sex in two large samples of preschoolers aged 3–6 years (sample 1: n = 1213, mean age 4.8 (.09); sample 2: n = 1198, mean age 4.3 (.09)). We used a test battery of FMS consisting of movement tasks for locomotion (run, horizontal jump and hop) and object control (catch, overhand throw and kick) from the Test of Gross Motor Development and balance skills (single-leg standing, walking line backward and walking line forward) from the Preschoolers Gross Motor Quality Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyse the data. We found support for both a three-factor and a two-factor structure. Measurement invariance testing showed invariance over age and partial scalar invariance over sex. We conclude that our modified test battery is an appropriate measure of young children’s FMS across the domains of locomotion, object control and balance, but that locomotion and object control subdomains provide limited unique information.

Perceptions and practices of fundamental movement skills in grassroots soccer coaches

This study presents the perceptions and practices of fundamental movement skills (FMS) in grassroots soccer coaches. One hundred and twenty-eight coaches (123 males, 5 females) completed an online mixed-method survey comprising 32 questions relating to: participant demographics, education, and qualifications; FMS perceptions, practices, and assessments, and the importance of FMS constructs; and other factors related to FMS. Frequency analysis was used to assess and report responses to fixed response and Likert-scale questions, and thematic analysis used for open-ended questions. Results indicated that grassroots soccer coaches have an awareness of the concept of FMS and value FMS as a contributor to developing general movement and soccer specific skills. However, there was a tendency for the coaches to conflate FMS with fitness. Coaches in the current study reported that developing FMS was useful to improve soccer development. The coaches suggested they assessed FMS but the measures they employed predominantly focused on more general movement outcomes. No coach used a valid or reliable process-oriented FMS assessment. Coaches used resources to inform their practice for FMS development, but the quality of resources accessed lacked an evidence base, with a reliance on social media. While the coaches in the current study reported valuing FMS, there are gaps in coach education and available evidence-based resources which inhibit the effective development of FMS within grassroots soccer practice. Providing training, qualifications and additional support for coaches related to FMS will aid implementation in practice.

Initial teacher educators’ integrating iPads into their physical education teaching

Teachers today must not only be prepared to use technology but must also know how to use it (Butler, D., K. Marshall, and M. Leahy. 2015. Shaping the Future: How Technology Can Lead to Educational Transformation, 1st ed. Dublin: Liffey Press). The purpose of this study was to explore two primary physical education initial teacher educator’s (PEITE’s) professional learning experiences while introducing iPads into a physical education module. The module’s focus was to promote quality teaching, learning and assessment of fundamental movement skills in physical education with pre-service generalist primary teachers. It was a qualitative study utilising lesson study methodology. Data included audio files, video recordings and field notes. Following analysis, three themes were developed: learning the technology, managing the technology and integrating the technology. The findings showed that for the PEITEs, time was a valuable commodity while grappling with technological knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge and pre-service teachers’ physical education knowledge. Self-directed learning was an enabler to facilitate technological and pedagogical competence for the PEITEs. Although managing aspects of the technology, such as limited Wi-Fi access and technical support, was a challenge, the PEITEs continued to integrate iPads into their teaching.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: Associations with fundamental movement skills

BackgroundThere is a pandemic of physical inactivity in children. Compared to children with typical development (TD), those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are less physically active. Mastery of movement skills such as fundamental movement skills (FMS) are potential correlates of physical activity. AimsTo examine the associations of FMS with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in children with DCD and TD. Methods and proceduresThis cross-sectional study included 172 children with DCD (n = 73; boys = 49) or TD (n = 99; boys = 48) aged 6–10 years. Five components of FMS (running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking) were assessed using process- and product- oriented approaches using the Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition. The time spent in MVPA and SB was measured using accelerometers. Outcomes and resultsChildren with DCD had significantly poorer performance in FMS proficiency in terms of specific movement patterns (jumping and catching) and outcomes (running, jumping, catching, and kicking) when compared to children with TD. MVPA and SB were significantly associated with certain process-oriented FMS assessments in children, which was moderated by motor coordination status and sex. Movement patterns of catching (odds ratio = 1.686, p < .05) was a significant predictor of children’s attainment of the MVPA guideline. Conclusions and implicationsIt is important to develop FMS patterns and ball skills in early childhood, particularly for children with DCD, to combat physical inactivity and its related health problems.

Fundamental movement skills and perceived competence, but not fitness, are the key factors associated with technical skill performance in boys who play grassroots soccer

ABSTRACT Objective:This study examined the association between fitness, fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived competence on technical skills in boys engaged in grassroots soccer. Methods: Sixty boys (8-12 years of age, Mean ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of FMS, perceived competence, physical fitness (15m sprint speed, standing long jump distance and seated 1kg medicine ball throw as a composite z-score) and technical skills (dribbling, passing and shooting as a composite z-score).Results: Multiple backwards linear regression was used to determine to amount of variance in technical skill explained by FMS, perceived competence and fitness. Results indicated a significant model (F 3,58= 42.04, P = .0001, Adj R2 = .680) which explained 68% of the variance in technical skills. Perceived competence (β=.316, P =.001), Total FMS (β=.140, P =.002), and chronological age (β=.863), P =.001) significantly contributed to the model. Conclusion:This study demonstrates that better technical skills (passing, dribbling, shooting) in youth soccer are explained, alongside age, by being competent in FMS and having a more positive perception of competence. Coaches should therefore seek to encourage development of these factors during childhood for the benefit of technical skill performance.

Fundamental Movement Skills and Their Assessment in Primary Schools from the Perspective of Teachers

ABSTRACT Evidence suggests that children struggle to acquire age-appropriate fundamental movement skills (FMS), despite their importance for facilitating physical activity. This has led to calls for routine school-based screening of children’s FMS. However, there is limited research exploring schools’ capacity to conduct such assessments. This study investigated what factors might affect the adoption and implementation of FMS assessments in primary schools. School staff (n = 853) completed an online questionnaire developed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model. A majority reported that knowledge of pupils’ FMS ability would be beneficial (65.3%), and 71.8% would assess FMS if support was provided. Barriers included: Capability – few possessed knowledge of FMS (15%); Opportunity – teachers reported 30–60 minutes as acceptable for assessing a class, a substantially shorter period than current assessments require; Motivation – 57.2% stated FMS assessments would increase workload stress. Solutions to these issues are discussed using the COM-B theoretical framework.

Developing and validating a school-based screening tool of Fundamental Movement Skills (FUNMOVES) using Rasch analysis.

A large proportion of children are not able to perform age-appropriate fundamental movement skills (FMS). Thus, it is important to assess FMS so that children needing additional support can be identified in a timely fashion. There is great potential for universal screening of FMS in schools, but research has established that current assessment tools are not fit for purpose. To develop and validate the psychometric properties of a FMS assessment tool designed specifically to meet the demands of universal screening in schools. A working group consisting of academics from developmental psychology, public health and behavioural epidemiology developed an assessment tool (FUNMOVES) based on theory and prior evidence. Over three studies, 814 children aged 4 to 11 years were assessed in school using FUNMOVES. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate structural validity and modifications were then made to FUNMOVES activities after each study based on Rasch results and implementation fidelity. The initial Rasch analysis found numerous psychometric problems including multidimensionality, disordered thresholds, local dependency, and misfitting items. Study 2 showed a unidimensional measure, with acceptable internal consistency and no local dependency, but that did not fit the Rasch model. Performance on a jumping task was misfitting, and there were issues with disordered thresholds (for jumping, hopping and balance tasks). Study 3 revealed a unidimensional assessment tool with good fit to the Rasch model, and no further issues, once jumping and hopping scoring were modified. The finalised version of FUNMOVES (after three iterations) meets standards for accurate measurement, is free and able to assess a whole class in under an hour using resources available in schools. Thus FUNMOVES has the potential to allow schools to efficiently screen FMS to ensure that targeted support can be provided and disability barriers removed.

The combination of three movement behaviours is associated with object control skills, but not locomotor skills, in preschoolers.

The objective of this study is to analyze the association between combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in preschoolers. This is a cross-sectional study. Participants of the study were 212 preschool children (M = 3.97 years old; 51.4% male), who provided objectively assessed physical activity (PA) data (Actigraph wGT3X), and completed FMS assessments (TGMD-2). Sleep time and screen time were parent-reported through face-to-face interview. Associations between the combination of two or three movement behaviours and FMS were analyzed using structural equation modeling (Mplus; 8.0; p < 0.05). Positive and significant associations were found between adherence to screen + sleep recommendations and locomotor skills (β = 0.23; p = 0.027); and between adherence to PA + screen + sleep recommendations with object control skills (β = 0.28; p = 0.014). Negative and significant associations were found between screen + sleep with object control skills (β = - 0.28; p = 0.007). The adherence to the 24-h movement behaviour recommendations explained locomotor and object control skills variability by 5% and 7%, respectively.Conclusion: The adherence to the combined movement behaviour recommendations may be a more important influence on FMS in preschoolers compared to any single movement behaviour in isolation. What is Known: • The association between the isolated adherence to movement behaviour (physical activity, screen time and sleep time) recommendations and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in preschoolers, and the role of the 24-h movement behaviours on FMS, has been previously reported. What is New: • This study adds important information to the current literature, when highlighting that the combined adherence to physical activity, screen time and sleep time recommendations is positively associated with object control skills (such as throwing and kicking), and the combination of screen time and sleep is positively associated with locomotor skills (such as running and hopping).

The validity and reliability of observational assessment tools available to measure fundamental movement skills in school-age children: A systematic review.

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) play a critical role in ontogenesis. Many children have insufficient FMS, highlighting the need for universal screening in schools. There are many observational FMS assessment tools, but their psychometric properties are not readily accessible. A systematic review was therefore undertaken to compile evidence of the validity and reliability of observational FMS assessments, to evaluate their suitability for screening. A pre-search of 'fundamental movement skills' OR 'fundamental motor skills' in seven online databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL, EBSCO SPORTDiscus, Ovid PsycINFO and Web of Science) identified 24 assessment tools for school-aged children that: (i) assess FMS; (ii) measure actual motor competence and (iii) evaluate performance on a standard battery of tasks. Studies were subsequently identified that: (a) used these tools; (b) quantified validity or reliability and (c) sampled school-aged children. Study quality was assessed using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklists. Ninety studies were included following the screening of 1863 articles. Twenty-one assessment tools had limited or no evidence to support their psychometric properties. The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD, n = 34) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC, n = 37) were the most researched tools. Studies consistently reported good evidence for validity, reliability for the TGMD, whilst only 64% of studies reported similarly promising results for the MABC. Twelve studies found good evidence for the reliability and validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency but poor study quality appeared to inflate results. Considering all assessment tools, those with promising psychometric properties often measured limited aspects of validity/reliability, and/or had limited feasibility for large scale deployment in a school-setting. There is insufficient evidence to justify the use of any observational FMS assessment tools for universal screening in schools, in their current form.

Validating the dance fundamental movement skills assessment for balance

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.

Can Proficiency Criteria Be Accurately Identified During Real-Time Fundamental Movement Skill Assessment?

ABSTRACTPurpose: Fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessors in education environments rely upon real-time FMS assessment; however, the recognition of individual proficiency criteria during real-time process-oriented FMS assessment may be problematic. Few studies consider the accuracy of identifying individual proficiency criteria in process-oriented FMS assessment, even though criteria are relied upon for intervention planning. This study aimed to further understand assessors’ ability to recognize proficiency criteria during real-time FMS assessment and the impact of assessor experience on assessment accuracy. Methods: 10 primary teachers, and 7 pediatric professionals assessed 10 performances of four FMSs (Jump, Hop, Kick, Throw) presented in videos and point-light displays using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Results: Accuracy in identifying proficiency criteria was moderate for both pediatric professionals (74.73%) and primary teachers (69.58%), with no differences between groups. In contrast, reliability of overall proficiency scores was good to excellent (ICC>0.8) in both groups. Some individual criteria may be more difficult to assess, evidenced by large average accuracy ranges within skills (e.g., 46% difference between Throw criteria 1 (34%) and 2 (80%)). Conclusions: The study reinforces the difficulty of observing proficiency criteria during real-time FMS assessment regardless of assessor experience. Results suggest that assessors can accurately score overall FMS proficiency, whilst accurate identification of proficiency criteria is problematic. Accurate criterion identification is crucial to understand skill deficiencies and inform subsequent intervention. Attentional demands during real-time assessment may be too great to allow accurate criterion identification, even by experienced assessors, which presents an important consideration for test administrators and developers.

The Effectiveness of Two Interventions on Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency Among a Cohort of Irish Primary School Children

This study examined the effectiveness of a physical activity (Year 1) and a multicomponent fundamental movement skill (FMS) (Year 2) intervention on primary school children’s FMS proficiency. Data were collected from 6- and 10-year-old cohorts from two intervention schools and age-matched groups from one control school, in south Ireland. In Year 1 (N = 187), intervention (n = 96) and control (n = 91) groups were children from senior infant (6-year-old cohort) and 4th class (10-year-old cohort). In Year 2 (N = 357), intervention (n = 195) and control (n = 162) groups were children from senior infant and 1st class (6-year-old cohort) and 4th and 5th classes (10-year-old cohort). FMS assessment was conducted across both academic years, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the effectiveness of each intervention, adjusting for age group. Following Year 1, the intervention group significantly improved locomotor proficiency (p &lt; .05), with no changes in object-control or overall proficiency. No group-time interactions were found. Following Year 2, the intervention group significantly improved locomotor, object-control, and overall proficiency (p &lt; .001). Group-time interaction effects were found for both subsets and overall FMS in favor of the intervention group (p &lt; .001). FMS proficiency among primary school children was significantly greater following the multicomponent FMS intervention.