Balance Skills Research Articles

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in cerebral palsy

BackgroundThe Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) is a multi-item balance assessment test designed to measure balance in relatively higher functioning individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FAB (FAB-T) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Research questionIs the Turkish version of the Fullerton Advance Balance Scale valid and reliable in determining balance problems in children with cerebral palsy and determining the underlying cause of this condition? MethodsForty-six children with CP participated in this study. Rasch analysis was used to investigate item adherence. Internal consistency of the FAB-T was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was also evaluated. In addition, to assess concurrent validity, FAB-T scores were compared with the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) using the Spearman correlation coefficient. ResultsThe FAB-T showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha value=0.94) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.99). The FAB and the PBS exhibited concurrent positive validity (r = 0.913; p < 0.001). All items of the FAB-T were found to fit the Rasch Model (Chi-square 16.01(df=20), p = 0.716). SignificanceThe FAB-T is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure balance skills and to identify the source of the problem in children with CP.

The Impact of a Rater Training Program on the TGMD-3 Scoring Accuracy of Pre-Service Adapted Physical Education Teachers.

This study aimed to examine the impact of a TGMD-3 rater training program on pre-service adapted physical education (APE) teachers’ ability to score fundamental motor skills for children with developmental disabilities (DD). The training program consisted of a description of the TGMD-3 instrument and DD, as well as content focused on skill performance and correct scoring through systematic analysis of 13 FMS via the instrument. Three experts established the standard score through the TGMD-3 performance evaluation of a child with DD. Thirty-nine pre-service APE teachers in the experimental group and 30 pre-service teachers in the control group completed the pre- and post-test process in this study. There were significant impacts on the pre-service teachers’ ability to score the locomotor, ball skill subtests, and total skill scores (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Specifically, the results of the three locomotor skills (running, horizontal jump, & slide) and three ball skills (two-hand strike, dribble, & kick) significantly improved in scoring accuracy. The results of this study can evidence that a TGMD-3 rater training program for pre-service APE teachers enhances the scoring accuracy of FMS among children with DD.

Nutrizone: Community Development Program for Autistic Children to Overcome Eating and Diet Difficulties in SLB Negeri Semarang

Autism is a functional neurological disorder that may cause impaired communication and behavioral patterns. Nutritional problems in autistic children tended to be found at SLB Negeri Semarang. Referring to the results of the discussions, three main nutritional problems were encountered in autistic children. First, there is a lack of education on diet programs provided for autistic children. Second, deficiency of the right method to introduce healthy food to autistic children due to their picky eating behavior. Third, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to large disruptions in controlling the nutrition of autistic children, especially for teachers and parents. Nutri-App innovation, namely menu calendar and augmented reality pop-up book, is considered capable of being used as an interactive food introduction media for autistic children. This program aimed to develop SLB Negeri Semarang in implementing a diet program for autistic children through the Nutri-App mobile and augmented reality pop-up book application. This program was conducted through the Nutrizone, containing: Nutri-Ready (Program planning), Nutri-Pandai (Guidance for readiness), Nutri-Tangkas (Activities and programs actualization), Nutri-Pantas (Program potential sustainability) with an integrative way for teachers and parents. The results showed an increase in understanding of the diet program, menu preparation skills, and balanced food introduction skills by 76%, 67%, and 64%. The program results show that the Nutri-App and AR pop-up books are very effective, with 4.6 and 4.7. In conclusion, the Nutrizone program can improve understanding of the diet program, menu preparation skills, and food introduction through an integrated program.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Motor Competence in Children Aged 7-10 Years: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Objectives Motor competence (MC) in fundamental motor skills (FMS) is needed for children to participate in physical activities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and MC in children aged 7-10 years. Subjects and Methods This is a correlational study with a cross-sectional design. Participants were 828 children aged 7-10 years in Ahvaz, Iran who were selected by cluster random sampling method. The test of gross motor development-3, a digital scale, and a stadimeter were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and two-way analysis of variance were used in data analysis. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children was high. There was a significant negative relationship between BMI and MC in locomotor skills and in total FMS (P&lt;0.05), but no significant relationship was observed between BMI and MC in ball skills (P&gt;0.05). The effect of age was significant on the MC in both locomotor and ball skills and in total FMS (P&lt;0.05). The effect of gender was not significant on the MC in locomotor skills (P&gt;0.05), but was significant on the MC in ball skills and in total FMS (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Children’s BMI is associated with their low MC in FMS. The increase of MC in FMS with the increase of age confirms the developmental nature of FMS. Due to the lower MC of girls in ball skills, they are at higher risk of delayed motor development. It is recommended to improve their delayed motor development and MC in ball skills by developing appropriate interventions.

ASSESSMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL MOTOR SKILLS IN BOYS AND GIRLS

The aim of the study was to assess gross motor skills between boys and girls of preschool and primary school age. The study included a total sample of 83 respondents (49.3% boys) with an average chronological age of 6.14 ± 2.25 years. The Test of Gross Motor Development–3rd Edition (TGMD-3) was used to verify the set research goal. Research data were analyzed by the method of parametrical statistics. To determine the differences in gross motor skills between boys and girls, t-test was used for an independent sample of respondents. Based on the obtained research results, it can be concluded that there are no statistically significant differences between boys and girls on the locomotor and “Ball skills” subtest. Although no statistically significant differences were recorded, generally, boys achieve better results on the subtest “Ball skills” compared to girls. It is suggested that intervention programs be designed to improve girls' performance in ball skills. Key words: Children, TGMD-3, Locomotor, Ball skills, Gender.

Strategies for optimizing balance in physical education lessons in primary school students

Abstract Introduction: A basic objective of physical education is to ensure the acquisition of motor skills by optimizing balance which is a fundamental psychomotor component for daily activities, together with coordination, so that improving it from the early stages of the child results in better physical performance and favors his willingness to engage in non-sedentary activities. The aim of this review is to summarize the scientific literature that has examined the importance and impact of exercise in the development of balance in primary school children. Methods: To conduct this study, a systematic search of the electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, ProQuest and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant literature. Titles and abstracts of all records were checked for eligibility according to, inclusion and exclusion criteria, the process of study selection was documented in the PRISMA 2009 flowchart, in addition a Google Scholar search was performed to find additional literature. Results: The literature search identified a total of 680 studies potentially suitable for balance analysis, after title screening and full text eligibility analysis, a total of 10 articles remained suitable for inclusion. Data from a total of 1549 subjects including 865 boys and 684 girls were eligible for analysis, the quality assessment showed that the majority of included studies met most of the assessment tool criteria for these studies (age, sex, height and weight). Conclusions: The relationships between balance and other motor skills and the impact of regular physical activity on the maintenance of different types of balance is one of the main reasons why this motor skill should be improved and developed during the process of teaching physical education using physical education content.

Longitudinal association of movement behaviour and motor competence in childhood: A structural equation model, compositional, and isotemporal substitution analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the association between physical activity and motor competence in primary school children using traditional and compositional data analysis approaches over time (time 1 and time 2). DesignA longitudinal observational design was used to study 124 typically developed children (45.2% girls), 5–10 years old at baseline. MethodsChildren's objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour, actual and perceived motor competence were assessed at two time points, one year apart. Longitudinal association of movement behaviors with actual and perceived motor competence, in locomotion, ball skills and overall motor competence was explored using structural equation models, compositional analysis, and isotemporal substitution. ResultsWhen adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index, structural equation models and the composition consistently predicted actual and perceived motor competence at time 1 and time 2 (p < 0.01). Reallocation of 10 min from sedentary to light, or to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, was associated with changes in actual motor competence, which was consistent from time 1 to time 2. Additionally, regarding self-perception, in time 1, isotemporal substitution of sedentary to light physical activity was the only reallocation associated with increases in perceived motor competence. In time 2, however, such positive associations were only found when reallocating time from sedentary or light to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. ConclusionsAchieving adequate levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, at the expense of sedentary and light physical activity, is associated with increases of actual and perceived motor competence over time.

Screening for balance in children and adults in a community science education setting: Normative data, influence of age, sex, and body mass index, and feasibility.

BackgroundScreening standing and walking balance is useful for people suspected of having vestibular disorders, a variety of neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders, and for screening astronauts returning after exposure to microgravity. Visitors to a community science education center children and adults, aged 4 to 85, were tested on tandem walking with eyes closed and the modified Romberg test on compliant foam. They were then asked about their experience participating in research, many people for the first time.MethodsSubjects performed 10 steps of tandem walking with eyes closed, and three trials of the modified Romberg, or Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance, with eyes closed, standing on compliant memory foam, with a) head still, b) head shaking in yaw, and c) head nodding in pitch. Afterward, staff queried subjects about the experience of participating in science.ResultsAge-related changes across the life span occurred in both sets of tests. Therefore, look-up tables by age are provided. Body mass index significantly affected tandem walking. Some sex differences were found. The tests were easy to administer in a community setting. Most participants enjoyed the experience and reported that they learned about the process of scientific research.DiscussionThese data support and extend the evidence for age-related changes in balance performance across the lifespan and for an influence of body mass index on some balance skills. Clinicians and sports educators should be cognizant of these differences when they use these tests for screening. The community science education environment provided a useful laboratory in which to collect valid and reliable data, while simultaneously educating participants about the process of science.

The subtypes of developmental coordination disorder.

To identify subtypes in a large group of children clinically diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) based on their pattern of motor, cognitive, and visual-motor abilities. Standardized scores for verbal IQ, total IQ, Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2) balance, MABC-2 manual dexterity, MABC-2 ball skills, and Beery-Buktenica Developmental Tests of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery-VMI), Motor Coordination (Beery-MC), and Visual Perception (Beery-VP) were used. The NbClust complete procedure was used to best partition the data on 98 children (84 males, 14 females, mean [SD] age: 8 years [2 years 1 month]) into clusters. Deviation contrasts, multivariate analysis of variance, and post hoc comparisons were used to characterize the clusters. Four clusters were revealed: two clusters with a broad motor skill problem, one with relatively preserved visual-motor integration and Beery-MC skills, and a second with abnormal ball skills, balance, and Beery-MC skills. A third cluster with more specific gross-motor problems, and a fourth with relatively preserved ball skills but low Beery-MC and performance IQ, were identified. Balance scores were 'at risk' or 'abnormal' in all four clusters. DCD is a heterogeneous condition. However, subtypes can be discriminated on the basis of more severe difficulties in fine-motor performance, gross-motor performance, or both. There was evidence for generalized motor impairments in around half of all children. Importantly, at least borderline level reduced balance was evident in each subtype. Four subtypes were identified in a large clinical group of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Subtypes were based on motor, cognitive, and visual-motor abilities. There was evidence of generalized motor impairments in around 50% of children with DCD. A generalized balance problem is present across all subtypes of DCD.

Los Hermanos de Niños con Autismo: Habilidades Lingüísticas y Motrices más allá de los Tres Años

Siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (Sib-ASD) may show difficulties in language and motor skills at a very early age. However, few studies have evaluated these skills in older children. We analyze these skills in children between 4 and 7 years old to test whether these difficulties still exist and, if so, to describe how this magnitude is. We examined expressive and receptive language, and fine and gross motor skills of 43 children: 25 Sib-ASD and 18 siblings of children with typical development (Sib-TD) through several standardized tests. The results show that there are significant differences (all with ps .05) between groups, showing a worse performance in grammatical comprehension, and related to motor skills in ball skills and overall motor skills in Sib-ASD. It is discussed that the fact of being aware of and identify these difficulties will help these children in their global development. Thus, more studies on sib-ASD in infancy and primary school are needed, in order to know how these differences might affect their school performance.

Gross motor skills trajectory variation between WEIRD and LMIC countries: A cross-cultural study.

AimThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of delays and borderline impaired performance for Brazilian girls and boys and the differences in the motor trajectories (locomotor and ball skills) of girls and boys (3- to 10-years-old) across WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, and Democratic) countries and Brazil–a low- and middle-income country (LMIC).MethodsWe assessed 1000 children (524 girls; 476 boys), 3- to 10.9-year-old (M = 6.9, SD = 2.1; Girls M = 6.9, SD = 2.0; Boys M = 6.9, SD = 2.1), using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Using systematic search, original studies investigating FMS in children using the TGMD-3 were eligible; 5 studies were eligible to have the results compared to the Brazilian sample. One sample t-test to run the secondary data from Irish, American, Finnish, and German children (i.e., mean, standard deviation).ResultsThe prevalence of delays and borderline impaired performance was high among Brazilian girls (28.3% and 27.5%) and boys (10.6% and 22.7%). The cross-countries comparisons showed significant (p values from .048 and < .001) overall lower locomotor and ball skills scores for Brazilian children; the only exceptions were skipping, catching, and kicking. We observed stability in performance, across countries, after 8-years-old, and no ceiling effects were found in the samples.ConclusionsThe Brazilian sample emphasized the need for national strategies to foster children’s motor proficiency. Differences in motor opportunities may explain the differences in motor trajectories between children in WEIRD and LMIC countries.

The Effects of Virtual Reality Nonphysical Mental Training on Balance Skills and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Activity in Healthy Adults.

Athletic skills such as balance are considered physical skills. However, these skills may not just improve by physical training, but also by mental training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental training programs on balance skills and hemodynamic responses of the prefrontal cortex. Randomized controlled trial. Fifty-seven healthy adults (28 females, 29 males), aged between 18-25 years, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: virtual reality mental training (VRMT) group, conventional mental training (CMT) group, and control group. The training program included action observation and motor imagery practices with balance exercise videos. The VRMT group trained with a VR head-mounted display, while the CMT group trained with a non-immersive computer screen, for 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. At baseline and after 4 weeks of training, balance was investigated with stabilometry and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Balance tests were performed with simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging to measure prefrontal cortex oxygenation. For the stabilometry test, at least 1 variable improved significantly in both VRMT and CMT groups but not in the control group. For SEBT, composite reach distance significantly increased in both VRMT and CMT groups but significantly decreased in the control group. For separate directional scores, reach distance was significantly increased in both mental training groups for nondominant leg posterolateral and posteromedial directions, and dominant leg posterolateral direction, while nondominant posteromedial score was significantly increased only in the VRMT group. Between-group comparisons showed that dominant leg posteromedial and posterolateral score improvements were significantly higher than control group for both mental training groups, while nondominant leg improvements were significantly higher than control group only for the VRMT group. The fNIRS oxyhemoglobin levels were not significantly changed during stabilometry tests. However, oxyhemoglobin levels significantly reduced only in the control group during SEBT. Our findings suggest that both mental training interventions can significantly improve balance test results. Additionally, VRMT may have some advantages over CMT. These findings are promising for the use of mental training in prevention and rehabilitation for special populations such as athletes and older adults.

Effect of an 8-Week Internet-Based Aerobic Exercise on the Balance of Older Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical activity of the elderly because these restrictions have forced them to stay at home. This study aims to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Internet-based aerobic exercise on static and dynamic balance of older women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study population consists of all older women in Kermanshah, Iran. Thirty inactive older women participated in the study voluntarily and were randomly divided into exercise and control groups. Static and dynamic balance of participants was measured using stork balance test and timed up and go test, respectively before and after the training protocol. The exercise group performed aerobic exercises provided to them via the Internet on their smartphones, for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. In order to increase the training intensity, the number of movements and repetitions were gradually increased such that the rhythm of aerobic exercises increased from 40 beats per minute to 90 beats per minute in last session. Paired t-test and analysis of covariance in SPSS v. 23 software were used to analyze the data. Results The balance changes from pretest to post-test phase were significant in the exercise group, but not significant in the control group. The internet-based aerobic exercise had a significant effect on static and dynamic balance of older women (P=0.001). Conclusion Performing aerobic exercises provided via the Internet on smartphones can improve the static and dynamic balance of older women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is recommended that older women use Internet-based aerobic exercises to improve their balance skills during the pandemic.

The relationship of muscular endurance and coordination and dexterity with behavioral and neuroelectric indices of attention in preschool children

This study investigated the associations of non-aerobic fitness (NAF) and motor competence (MC) with attention in 4–6 year-old preschoolers. The allocation of attentional resources and speed of stimulus categorization were examined using the amplitude and latency of P3 of event-related potentials respectively, while cortical activation related to general attention and task-specific discriminative processes were examined using event-related desynchronization (ERD) at lower (8–10 Hz) and upper (10–12 Hz) alpha frequencies, respectively. Seventy-six preschoolers completed NAF (muscular power, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance) and MC (coordination and dexterity, ball skills, agility and balance) test batteries. Electroencephalogram was recorded while participants performed an auditory oddball task. After controlling for age and MC, muscular endurance was positively related to P3 amplitude. MC and its coordination and dexterity sub-component were positively related to task performance, with higher levels of coordination and dexterity showing an additional association with greater upper alpha ERD between 700 and 1000 ms following stimulus onset after controlling for age and NAF. These findings suggest relationships of NAF and MC with early childhood neurocognitive function. Specifically, muscular endurance is related to the neuroinhibition in facilitating effective allocation of attentional resources to stimulus evaluation while coordination and dexterity are related to cortical activation underlying strategic attentional preparation for subsequent stimulus evaluation.

Yaşlı bireylerde tek-görev, çift-görev ve ardışık fiziksel-bilişsel eğitimin düşme riski ve denge performansı üzerine etkileri: randomize çalışma

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of single-task, dual-task and successive physical-cognitive training on fall risk, balance, and gait performances in elderly.Methods: A total of 45 healthy older adults (73.0±4.6 years; 6 male and 39 female) underwent one of three interventions 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Group-1 performed single-task balance and gait exercises. Group-2 performed cognitive activity, balance, and gait exercises simultaneously. Group-3 performed successive cognitive activities and balance and gait exercises. Gait speed under single-task and dual-task conditions, Berg Balance Scale, Timed up and Go test, and Tinetti's Falls Efficacy Scale scores were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of interventions.Results: Gait speed under single-task condition, Timed up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale scores were improved in all groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Gait speed under dual-task condition was improved in Groups-2 and 3 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Group-3 had greater improvement in Berg Balance Scale and Timed up and Go test scores than Group-2. Tinetti's Falls Efficacy Scale was improved in Group-1 and 3 after training while the improvement was greater in Group-3 (p=0.001).Conclusion: The present study suggests that an intervention involving cognitive and physical activities results in greater improvement in gait speed than interventions involving physical activities alone. However, successive physical-cognitive training may be more effective in reducing fear of fall and improving balance skills in elderly.

MHealth Intervention for Motor Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children's motor skills are a critical foundation for physical activity. The objective was to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of a mobile app-based intervention delivered to parents to improve preschoolers' motor skills. This randomized controlled trial randomly assigned children to : (1) Motor Skills, including instructional lessons, peer modeling videos, behavioral scaffolding, and structured activities or 2) Free Play. Both groups received a 12-week app-based intervention informed by social cognitive theory to deliver 12 hours (12-minutes per day, 5× per week) of instruction. The children were aged 3 to 5 y; parents and children had no mobility impairments. The primary outcome variables were children's motor skills percentile score assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition (TGMD-3) at baseline, end-of-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 24); and feasibility and acceptability. Seventy-two children (4.0 ± 0.8 y) participated. Between baseline and week 12, children in the Motor Skills condition significantly improved total TGMD-3 percentile (+13.7 Motor Skills vs -5.3 Free Play, P < .01), locomotor skills percentile (+15.5 Motor Skills vs -4.8 Free Play, P < .01), and ball skills percentile (+8.3 Motor Skills vs -7.3 Free Play, P < .01) compared with children in the comparator group. Significant differences were sustained at follow-up (week 24). Adherence did not significantly differ between conditions (71% for Motor Skills; 87% for Free Play). Parents in both arms reported high scores on satisfaction, helpfulness, and ease of use. Clinicians and educators may encourage parents to enhance their child's motor skills through structured at-home programs.

The associations of functional independence and quality of life with sitting balance and wheelchair skills among wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

Context/Objective To examine the associations of functional independence and quality of life (QOL) with sitting balance and wheelchair skills among individuals living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) who use a wheelchair full time. Methods Secondary data analysis of a total of 59 wheelchair users living with SCI. Eighteen individuals were included in all analyses involving sitting balance. Demographics information and characteristics of SCI were collected through a survey. Participants reported their wheelchair skills performance, confidence, and capacity; functional independence; and QOL using the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q) 5.0, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III), and World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Sitting balance was assessed remotely using the Function in Sitting Test (FIST). Correlations between variables were analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test. Results All the measures of SCIM III (total, selfcare, and mobility) correlated with the FIST (ρ = 0.52–0.66, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). SCIM III-Mobility correlated with WST-performance, capacity, and confidence (ρ = 0.38–0.51, p < 0.01). WHOQOL-physical health and environment significantly correlated with WST-capacity and confidence (ρ = 0.26–0.33, p < 0.05). The FIST, WST-Performance, and level of injury did not correlate with any WHOQOL domain. Conclusions Lower functional independence and mobility are associated with poor sitting balance and poor wheelchair skills. Higher QOL may be associated with higher wheelchair skills. Future research is warranted to examine these relationships longitudinally to establish causality.

ACTIVE PLAY INTERVENTIONS ON MOTOR SKILLS OF PRESCHOOLERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Active play can contribute to the reduction of sedentary time and generate potential benefits for the performance of fundamental motor skills in children. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to provide a synthesis of evidence on the contributions of active play to fundamental motor skills in children aged 2 to 5 years typically developed, as well as to verify the differences between the intervention protocols used in the studies. The studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs databases. Clinical trials available in English, conducted in typically developing children, were included, and studies with the theme of electronic games were excluded. Two independent researchers examined the studies and conducted data extraction. Eight articles were included in the systematic review; three identified that children who experienced interventions with free active play had better performance in handling and balance skills. Four studies identified that children who practiced guided active play had better performance in locomotion, manipulation and balance skills, one study found no significant difference. We concluded that the practice of active play, especially guided active play, positively contributes to the fundamental motor skills of children aged 3 to 5 years typically developed.

Do We Drop the Ball When We Measure Ball Skills Using Standardized Motor Performance Tests?

Background: Ball skill performance changes over time during childhood and depends on the child’s physical and psychological characteristics, environmental opportunities, and task constraints. The aim of this study was to examine whether different standardized ball skill-items measure similar constructs and whether results differentiate among age groups. Methods: A total of 250 children (6–10 years) were administered the Movement Assessment Battery for children second edition (MABC-2), the subtest upper-limb coordination of the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition (BOT-2), the tennis ball throw of the Fitness Test Battery (FTB), and the ball skills and overhead throw of the Performance and Fitness test (PERF-FIT). Results: Correlations among scores of BOT-2, FTB, and PERF-FIT ranged from fair to moderate, but correlations were low with the MABC-2. Principal component analysis retrieved three components: the first component contained catch, dribble, bounce, and throw items (MABC-2, BOT-2-SF, and PERF-FIT, respectively); the second contained throwing for distance (PERF-FIT and FTB); the third contained aiming (MABC-2). Most ball skill scores differed significantly between 6–7 and 7–8 years, but less between 8–9 years; the PERF-FIT discriminated best between age groups. Conclusion: Most ball skill items in motor tests belong to a comparable construct containing throw, dribble, bounce, and catch skills. However, aiming tasks belong to a separate category. Additionally, throwing for distance is a task that requires predominantly explosive power.

Gross motor impairment and its relation to social skills in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and two meta-analyses.

Gross motor ability is associated with profound differences in how children experience and interact with their social world. A rapidly growing literature on motor development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) indicates that autistic individuals exhibit impairment in gross motor skills. However, due to substantial heterogeneity across studies, it remains unclear which gross motor skills are impaired in ASD, when and for whom these differences emerge, and whether motor and social impairments are related. The present article addressed these questions by synthesizing research on gross motor skills in ASD in two separate meta-analyses. The first examined gross motor deficits in ASD compared to neurotypical (NT) controls, aggregating data from 114 studies representing 6,423 autistic and 2,941 NT individuals. Results demonstrated a significant overall deficit in gross motor skills in ASD (Hedges' g = -1.04) that was robust to methodological and phenotypic variation and was significant at every level of the tested moderators. However, moderation analyses revealed that this deficit was most pronounced for object control skills (i.e., ball skills), clinical assessment measures, and movements of the upper extremities or the whole body. The second meta-analysis investigated whether gross motor and social skills are related in ASD, synthesizing data from 21 studies representing 654 autistic individuals. Findings revealed a modest but significant overall correlation between gross motor and social skills in ASD (r = 0.27). Collectively, results support the conclusion that motor deficits are tied to the core symptoms of ASD. Further research is needed to test the causality and directionality of this relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).