Balance Skills Research Articles

Interventions to Improve the Occupational Performance of Youth With Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms: A Systematic Review.

Persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) may negatively affect youth's occupational performance in activities of daily living, education, play and leisure, social participation, and rest and sleep. This review provides occupational therapists with evidence related to interventions for youth with PPCS. Searches were performed in Embase, PubMed, SportDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies published in English from January 1, 2013, to February 7, 2023; youth ages 3 to 18 yr old; PPCS for at least 2 wk after injury; interventions within the scope of occupational therapy; and outcomes related to areas of occupation. All levels of evidence (1-5) were included and graded for quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) levels of evidence. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twenty articles met inclusion criteria (7 randomized controlled trials, 1 nonrandomized controlled group design, 3 single-group designs, 5 case series, and 4 single-subject designs). Interventions reviewed were active rehabilitation, vision-related interventions, psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), and music therapy. Strong evidence supports CBT, with significant clinical outcomes in sleep and education. Moderate strength of evidence supports psychoeducation and active rehabilitation for improving functional outcomes. More evidence is needed to make clinical recommendations regarding vision-related interventions, the CO-OP, and music therapy. Occupational therapists should consider CBT, psychoeducation, and active rehabilitation to improve occupational performance among youth with PPCS. Plain-Language Summary: Some youth will have persistent symptoms that do not resolve within 2 weeks after a concussion. Because of these persistent symptoms, they may have difficulty completing everyday activities. This review evaluated evidence addressing the ability of youth with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) to complete everyday activities. The authors found that cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation (aimed at helping youth understand and cope with their concussion symptoms), and active rehabilitation (aerobic and coordination exercises, such as jumping jacks and ball skills) should be considered when working with youth (ages 3-18 years) with PPCS. Using these interventions in occupational therapy sessions may improve the ability of youth to complete their everyday activities after a concussion.

Motor delay image recognition based on deep learning and human skeleton model

Children with developmental delays often exhibit gross motor delay during their early childhood. Identifying such delay typically requires standardized assessments, but these assessments are susceptible to subjective interpretation. To enhance objectivity and reliability in these assessments, this study proposes a novel method utilizing an AI model for identifying gross motor delay in children. The proposed method divides the assessment of gross motor skills into two components: static balance and dynamic balance. First, the Yolo target detection model and the Mediapipe human posture detection model are employed for preprocessing to determine skeletal joints and body positioning information. Subsequently, dimensionality reduction techniques are applied to extract key features. A sliding window method is then used to extract action features identifying static balance features of the human body (e.g., standing on one foot, standing on the left foot) and dynamic balance features (e.g., lifting the heels while walking, jumping on a mat). The machine learning classifier and LSTM-CNN are then used to categorize the static and dynamic balance feature data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieved accuracy scores of 80 % and 87 % for static and dynamic balancing skills, respectively.

Degraded oculomotor function and its implications on balance in pediatric strabismus

BackgroundChildren with visual impairment often exhibit poor postural control. However, the effects of strabismus on oculomotor system components and its impact on balance in children are not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine the potential effects of oculomotor functions on balance skills in children with strabismus.MethodsA total of 30 children aged between 6 and 10 years participated in this study. Fifteen children diagnosed with strabismus were included in the strabismus group (8.07 ± 1.33 years), and 15 healthy children without any vision problems were included in the control group (8.03 ± 1.49 years). All children underwent a comprehensive hearing evaluation, bedside neurological and balance examinations, the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) assessment to assess balance function, and Videonystagmography (VNG) tests to measure oculomotor function.ResultsIn the saccade test, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of latency, accuracy, and speed (p > 0.05). The strabismus group showed significantly lower pursuit test gains (except the left eye at 0.4 Hz) (p < 0.05) and significantly higher asymmetries (except the right eye at 0.4 Hz) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in optokinetic test gains (p > 0.05). The strabismus group had significantly lower scores on the 360-degree rotation task (10th item) (p = 0.027) and total PBS scores (p = 0.029). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative correlations between strabismus angle and optokinetic test gains, pursuit test gains, and PBS total scores, with varying correlation strengths (p < 0.05 and − 0.639 < r < − 0.338).ConclusionsStrabismus adversely affects the optokinetic and pursuit systems, as well as balance in children. Furthermore, an increase in the strabismus angle is associated with greater adverse effects on these functions. The lower scores obtained in the PBS scores of the strabismus group indicate that strabismus may negatively affect balance skills in activities of daily living. Early intervention and targeted therapies should be considered to mitigate these effects and support the development of balance skills in children with strabismus.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Gender Differences in Gross Motor Skills Among Preschool Children in Jinhua City, China

BackgroundWhile gender differences in ball skills are widely recognized, the differences in locomotor skills remain unclear. This study aims to explore these gender differences among preschool children in Jinhua City, China, and to examine the influence of evolutionary factors and local cultural activities on these skills. MethodsA cluster random sampling method was employed to select 777 preschool children aged 5.1 to 6.7 years from seven kindergartens in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. The Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition (TGMD-3) was used to assess GMS, including locomotor and ball skills. ResultsBoys outperformed girls in ball skills, such as underhand throwing, catching, two-handed striking, and kicking. However, no significant overall gender differences were found in locomotor skills. A deeper analysis revealed that boys excelled in running-related tasks, whereas girls performed better in skipping-related tasks. These findings suggest that TGMD-3 locomotor skills should be divided into running-related and jumping-related categories. The results also show that not all ball skills are dominated by boys, indicating the impact of environmental factors. The findings highlight the role of both evolutionary factors and local cultural activities in shaping these specific gender differences. ConclusionThe study's cross-sectional design provides a snapshot of existing gender differences in motor skills among preschool children. The results suggest the need for gender-sensitive physical education programs to address these disparities early on. Future research should utilize longitudinal methods and objective measures to further understand the development of these skills over time and the underlying factors contributing to these differences.

Effect of Functional Training on Fundamental Motor Skills Among Children: A Systematic Review

ObjectivesFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement, requiring tailored training and guidance for development. As an emerging training method, functional training is optimistic in promoting the development of children’s fundamental motor skills. However, current studies have not assessed the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills. This review aims to address this gap by evaluating the effects of functional training on fundamental motor skills. DesignA search was conducted in five databases: PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and SPORT Discus, from January 2000 to June 2023. MethodThis search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. ResultsThe results of the search identified a total of twenty-six articles. Improvements were primarily demonstrated in the three main areas of fundamental motor skills: locomotor skills (n = 17), balance skills (n = 10), and object control skills (n = 2). ConclusionsThe results suggest that functional training programs can improve children’s fundamental motor skills. Existing evidence also concludes that functional training significantly impacts locomotor and balance skills, whereas further research is required to confirm its positive effects on object control skills.

Effect of the menstrual cycle on knee joint position sense and dynamic balance

The objective of this study was to examine how the menstrual cycle affects knee joint position sense (JPS) and dynamic balance. Forty-five physically active women (age 20.87 ± 0.54 years) participated in this study. Pain was measured with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Knee JPS was measured using the passive-active repositioning method using a digital inclinometer. The modified Star Excursion Balance Test was used to assess dynamic balance (SEBT). The VAS scores were higher in the menses phase compared to the mid-luteal phase (p < 0.001) and mid-follicular phase (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found between phases of the menstrual cycle for JPS in 30° (p > 0.05) and 60° of knee flexion (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in the anterior (p = 0.028), posteromedial (p < 0.001), and posterolateral (p < 0.001) directions of the modified SEBT. The values of the anterior direction in a mid-follicular phase were higher than the menses phase (p = 0.017). Mid-luteal phase values in the posteromedial direction were greater than mid-follicular phase (p = 0.008) and menses phase (p < 0.001). The values of the posterolateral direction in the mid-luteal phase (p < 0.001) and mid-follicular phase (p = 0.009) were higher than in the menses phase. In conclusion, the knee JPS did not change during the menstrual cycle in physically active women. However, the dynamic balance performance was at the lowest level in the menses phase. The risk of injury should be considered during menstruation, especially in activities that require dynamic balance skills in physically active women.

Implementasi Permainan Tradisional Batok Kelapa Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Koordinasi Gerak dan Keseimbangan Tubuh

This research aims to improve the movement coordination and body balance abilities of class 1C students at SDN Pakis 1 Surabaya through the implementation of the traditional coconut shell game. This Classroom Action Research (PTK) was carried out in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The results showed a significant improvement in students' motor skills. At pre-cycle, only 25% of students achieved the expected skills. After implementing the coconut shell game, the percentage of students who completed it increased to 42.86% in the first cycle and 82.14% in the second cycle. This increase indicates that the traditional coconut shell game is an effective method in developing students' movement coordination and body balance skills and providing a fun and active learning experience.

Implementasi Permainan Tradisional Batok Kelapa Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Koordinasi Gerak dan Keseimbangan Tubuh

This research aims to improve the movement coordination and body balance abilities of class 1C students at SDN Pakis 1 Surabaya through the implementation of the traditional coconut shell game. This Classroom Action Research (PTK) was carried out in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The results showed a significant improvement in students' motor skills. At pre-cycle, only 25% of students achieved the expected skills. After implementing the coconut shell game, the percentage of students who completed it increased to 42.86% in the first cycle and 82.14% in the second cycle. This increase indicates that the traditional coconut shell game is an effective method in developing students' movement coordination and body balance skills and providing a fun and active learning experience.

Data base of Cognitive functions and their relation to balance and agility in athletes from differents sports branches

Successful performance in each sport requires high ability in various features, including motor and perceptual-cognitive skills. This study aimed to compare the balance and agility in athletes from several sports branches to find out how cognitive functions relate to these parameters. Seventy-three individuals aged 18-30 were included in this prospective-descriptive study. In the assessment of cognition, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, d2 Test of Attention, and a Bassin Anticipation Timer Device were used. While Prokin-TecnoBody was used to measure the balance skills, Illinois Agility Test (IAT) was used for agility. IAT times showed positive weak correlations with both the absolute error-score (AES) at 8mph (r=0.260, p=0.040) and mediolateral balance score (ML)(r=0.255, p=0.043). While there was a negative weak correlation between AES at 3mph and anteroposterior score of balance (r=-0.267, p=0.035), we found positive weak correlation between AES at 8mph and ML of balance (r=0.253, p=0.046). It was found that the IAT scores of the sedentary group were significantly lower than athletes (p=0.000). According to AES at 3mph, there were significant differences between tennis players and both sedentary and volleyball players (p=0.008, p=0.002, respectively). When the AES at 8mph compared, the only statistically significant difference was between tennis players and sedentary (p=0.008). In conclusion, this study shows how cognitive functions, particularly coincidence anticipation timing (CAT), correlate with essential physical performance factors like agility and balance across different sport branches, suggesting that improving cognitive skills could enhance overall athletic performance and inform mental training strategies in sports. It is recommended that future sports science research focus on enhancing CAT through targeted training programs.

Cognitive functions and their relation to balance and agility in athletes from different sports branches

Successful performance in each sport requires high ability in various features, including motor and perceptual-cognitive skills. This study aimed to compare the balance and agility in athletes from several sports branches to find out how cognitive functions relate to these parameters. Seventy-three individuals aged 18-30 were included in this prospective-descriptive study. In the assessment of cognition, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, d2 Test of Attention, and a Bassin Anticipation Timer Device were used. While Prokin-TecnoBody was used to measure the balance skills, Illinois Agility Test (IAT) was used for agility. IAT times showed positive weak correlations with both the absolute error-score (AES) at 8mph (r=0.260, p=0.040) and mediolateral balance score (ML)(r=0.255, p=0.043). While there was a negative weak correlation between AES at 3mph and anteroposterior score of balance (r=-0.267, p=0.035), we found positive weak correlation between AES at 8mph and ML of balance (r=0.253, p=0.046). It was found that the IAT scores of the sedentary group were significantly lower than athletes (p=0.000). According to AES at 3mph, there were significant differences between tennis players and both sedentary and volleyball players (p=0.008, p=0.002, respectively). When the AES at 8mph compared, the only statistically significant difference was between tennis players and sedentary (p=0.008). In conclusion, this study shows how cognitive functions, particularly coincidence anticipation timing (CAT), correlate with essential physical performance factors like agility and balance across different sport branches, suggesting that improving cognitive skills could enhance overall athletic performance and inform mental training strategies in sports. It is recommended that future sports science research focus on enhancing CAT through targeted training programs.

Sensor-Based Balance Training with Exergaming Feedback in Subjects with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

As one of the leading causes of disability in the world, stroke can determine a reduction of balance performance with a negative impact on daily activity and social life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of sensor-based balance training with exergaming feedback on balance skills in chronic stroke patients. 21 individuals (11F, 57.14 ± 13.82 years) with a single event of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to the sensor-based balance training group (SB-group) or the usual care balance training group (UC-group). Both groups received 10 add-on sessions with exergaming feedback (SB-group) or conventional training (UC-group). Clinical and instrumental evaluation was performed before (t0), after (t1), and after one month (t2) from intervention. Participation level was assessed using the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale at the end of each session. The SB-group showed an improvement in postural stability (p = 0.02) when compared to the UC-group. In the evaluation of motivational level, the score was statistically higher in the SB-group with respect to the UC-group (p < 0.01). Except for the improvement in postural stability, no difference was recorded in clinical score, suggesting a comparable gain in both groups. However, patients undergoing sensor-based training exhibited a higher participation score, ultimately indicating the use of this training to improve the adherence to rehabilitation settings, especially in patients with lower compliance.

Exercise for fall prevention in older adults

Background: Global population aging has significantly increased fall-related incidents among older adults, which is associated with major health risks and challenges for healthcare systems. Falls are a leading cause of injury, disability, and mortality in South Korea, which has shown rapid expansion of the elderly population. Development of effective fall-prevention strategies, including exercise-based interventions is important to address this issue.Current Concepts: Exercise-based fall prevention programs include several key types such as strength and functional movement training and balance exercises. Strength training includes resistance exercises and weightbearing activities to enhance muscle strength, which is essential for stability and fall prevention. Balance exercises improve stability and coordination, including standing on one leg and heel-to-toe walking. Functional movement training includes exercises that simulate daily activities and help individuals to improve their ability to safely perform routine tasks. Programs such as the Otago Exercise Program integrate these elements and offer a comprehensive approach to fall prevention. Such regimens combined with training in safe falling techniques are important to reduce fall risk and improve outcomes. Assessment tools, including the timed up-and-go and senior fitness tests, are useful to identify at-risk individuals and tailor interventions accordingly.Discussion and Conclusion: An effective fall prevention exercise program requires a multifaceted approach that combines various exercise types and focuses on improving muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and functional skills, as well as safe falling and floor recovery techniques. Tailoring these interventions to individual needs and regular risk assessments can enhance their usefulness.

The effects of physical exercise on fitness and emotion in Chinese preschoolers

BackgroundThe global prevalence of overweight and obesity in children under the age of five has emerged as a significant issue in recent years. Physical activity and fitness among children and adolescents have declined globally in the past few decades. Studies have indicated a link between levels of physical activity and cognitive performance in preschool children.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of three different types of physical education programmes on the physical fitness and emotional competence of 239 preschoolers(mean age = 5.49 ± 0.60 years, 54.4% boys)in Haikou, China. The preschoolers were grouped based on which programme they were assigned to: the “Hello Sunshine” ball skills programme (HS group), ordinary physical education (OPE group), and free play (FP group). The “Hello Sunshine” ball skills programme used both a structured curriculum design and autonomous activity selection during outdoor time., which were conducive to children’s physical fitness.The National Physical Fitness Measurement Standards Manual and the shortened version of the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Scale (SCBE-30) were used to assess physical fitness and emotional competence, respectively. These assessments were conducted both before and after the ten-week intervention period. The analysis utilised a mixed-effects model for physical fitness and a mixed-model ANOVA for the SCBE data.ResultsThe HS group and OPE group demonstrated significantly improvement in the standing long jump, 10-m shuttle run and balance beam walking than the FP group; meanwhile, only anxious-withdrawal levels showed a significant grouping effect and group-by-time interaction effect. After the intervention, both the HS group and the FP group showed significantly lower scores for anxiety compared to the OPE group, with no significant difference observed between the HS and FP groups.ConclusionsThe results suggested that structured ball skills programmes may promote physical fitness and reduce anxiety. The integration of effective physical exercise programmes into preschool curricula holds the potential for promoting holistic development.

Biopsychosocial and Environmental Correlates of Children’s Motor Competence: An Exploratory Study

BackgroundGiven the significance of motor competence (MC) for healthy development and as a cornerstone for lifelong physical activity (PA), it is crucial to understand the manifold factors that are associated with MC. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate correlates of children’s MC and their fundamental movement skills (FMS) within their daily life from a comprehensive biopsychosocial-ecological perspective.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional sub-study of the ‘Physical Literacy for Communities (PL4C)’ WAVES cohort study conducted in the West Vancouver School District, Canada. Motor competence was assessed using the PLAYfun tool including overall MC score and five FMS category scores, namely, running, locomotor skills, upper and lower body control and balance skills. By means of structural equation modeling (SEM), direct associationswith MC and with the specific FMS categories addressing physical activity behavior, self-perceived physical literacy, parenting, and school ground design were investigated.ResultsA total of 355 children with a mean age of 7.5 years and 111.1 min of MVPA per day participated. The group comprised 51% boys and 47% girls from 14 elementary schools. Most children were at an emerging MC-level (71%), while those at a competent MC-level exhibited significantly more daily minutes of MVPA (123 versus 109, p = 0.001). Additionally, they played outdoors more frequently and engaged in more instructor-led PA. The results revealed that logistical support from parents had not only a direct positive association with overall MC, both for girls and boys, but also with most of the FMS categories. However, the correlates of MC varied between genders and showed different patterns across the five FMS categories. While time spent in sports or coach-/instructor-led physical activities had a significant SEM generated direct effect only for boys’ MC and for locomotor, upper body object control and balance, the aesthetic design of the school grounds was only associated with girls’ MC and those same three FMS categories. Multivariate SEM could explain 26% of variance for girls’ MC and 30% for boys’.ConclusionsThis exploratory baseline assessment revealed parental logistical support as an important correlate of MC, irrespective of gender. There were distinct gender patterns across biopsychosocial-ecological correlates influencing MC and FMS. Despite the heterogeneity of the results, our findings indicate a potential role of school ground design in supporting the development of children’s MC, especially for girls.

Sensor-based Approach for Objective Balance Skill Assessment: A Review

Sensor-based Approach for Objective Balance Skill Assessment: A Review

Face validity and washback effects of the shortened PTE Academic: insights from teachers in Mainland China

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), a high-stakes English language proficiency test, underwent substantial revisions in 2021. The test duration was reduced from 3 h to 2 h by reducing specific task numbers and sections. This study investigates the impact of these changes on teachers’ perceptions and teaching practices, areas previously underexplored in language assessment literature. It focuses on the implications of the test’s modifications, examining the face validity and washback effects through the lens of teachers in mainland China. Semi-structured interviews with four experienced PTE Academic test trainers, who were familiar with both the original and revised test formats, reveals that the revised PTE Academic is perceived to maintain strong face validity, particularly noted in its academic authenticity, balanced skill structure, and perceived result accuracy. Additionally, most teachers perceived an increase in test difficulty. A mixed washback effect was observed: while improvements in students’ language competence—a positive outcome—were noted, teachers also reported a continued reliance on teaching test-oriented strategies for higher-scoring tasks, indicating negative washback. This study highlights the significant implications of reducing PTE Academic’s duration and offers targeted recommendations for its future improvement. These suggestions aim to enhance students’ academic language skills, thereby better aligning PTE Academic with the practical language abilities required in university settings.

Multidimensional performance characteristics of talented youth judoka: Dynamic balance and coping skills relate to international competitive performance

Understanding of the multidimensional performance characteristics (MPCs) that underlie performance and distinguish athletes of varying performance levels are key for talent development programs. However, in the Olympic combat sport of judo, including MPCs in talent development research is still a recent approach. Hence, little is known about the MPCs of talented youth judoka. Therefore, this study aimed to determine differences in MPCs of talented youth (U18) judoka with varying levels of success in international competition, specified by sex and corrected for body weight. Fifty-two international level judoka (males: n = 28, age: 16.7 ± 0.9 and females: n = 24, age: 16.3 ± 0.9) participated. Multiple linear regressions were performed with performance level as the dependent variable. Performance level was defined as the win rate at international competitions in one competitive season. Anthropometrical (e.g., body height), physiological (e.g., dynamic balance), and psychological (e.g., coping skills) characteristics were used as independent variables. Results showed that win rate of females positively relates to dynamic balance and coping with adversity, and negatively relates to goal setting and mental preparation ( R2 = .611, p &lt; .001). Peaking under pressure positively relates to the win rate of males ( R2 = .152, p &lt; .05). The extent to which MPCs explain competition performance differs between sexes. However, for both sexes, coping skills seem to be important. Therefore, it is recommended that psychological characteristics are integrated in talent programs of youth judoka next to the judo-specific, physiological and/or technical-tactical trainings whilst taking in consideration the individual differences.

Epidemiological Study on Developmental Coordination Disorder in School Going Children

Introduction: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) has garnered significant attention in recent years, with rapid advancements in our understanding of this condition. Despite this progress, DCD often goes undiagnosed, making it challenging for children, parents, and educators to access essential resources. The motor difficulties associated with DCD can lead to social exclusion, as peers may be reluctant to invite these children to participate in play activities. Consequently, children with DCD may withdraw from leisure pursuits, perceiving themselves as lacking the necessary skills to engage fully. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to identify DCD in non-referred school-aged children. Early identification enables these individuals to access crucial resources, such as physiotherapy interventions, which can maximize their functional, academic, and psychosocial performance, and overall quality of life. Materials and Methods: The study involved 200 non-referred school-going children aged 4-12 years from Bangalore, selected through random sampling. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), consisting of 32 organized tasks across four sets covering manual dexterity, ball skills, and dynamic balance, was administered. Additionally, the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), comprising 12 tasks that assess a child’s ability to accomplish various motor skills, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a 113-item inventory describing children’s psychosocial behavior, were utilized to evaluate overall development. Results: Multivariate analysis identified a significant prevalence of DCD among the study participants. The findings underscore the imperative nature of early identification using comprehensive assessment tools for the well-being and psychosocial adaptation of school-aged children. Conclusions: These findings indicate that children with movement problems are at risk for difficulties in attention, learning, and psychosocial adjustment. Regardless of the kind or intensity, a child’s assessment for movement issues should cover a broad variety of functions in addition to motor skills. This comprehensive approach will enable access to essential resources, such as physiotherapeutic interventions, crucial for their overall development.

Self-Efficacy in Core Linguistic Competencies of English Majors An Empirical Analysis at Zhejiang Wanli University

This study examines self-efficacy levels among English majors at Zhejiang Wanli University across essential language skills using Banduras self-efficacy theory. The research identifies key elements influencing self-efficacy and their relationship with specific language abilities and overall self-efficacy. By surveying 121 English majors through random sampling, four interconnected elements related to linguistic skills were identified. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between these competencies and overall self-efficacy, highlighting the importance of balanced language skill development. The findings stress the need for educational strategies that enhance confidence and proficiency in English acquisition by focusing on the comprehensive development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This comprehensive approach can significantly contribute to the overall academic performance and language proficiency of English majors, providing insights for educators to tailor their teaching methods effectively.

Reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development Third Edition Among Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Aim The Test of Gross Motor Development Third Edition (TGMD-3) is used to assess the development of fundamental movement skills in children from 3 to 10 years old. This study aimed to evaluate the intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability and to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) value of the TGMD-3 in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Methods The TGMD-3 was administered to 20 children with DCD. The child’s fundamental movement skills were recorded using a digital video camera. Reliability was assessed at two occasions by three raters using the generalizability theory. Results The TGMD-3 demonstrates good inter-rater reliability for the locomotor skills subscale, the ball skills subscale, and the total score (φ = 0.77 − 0.91), while the intra-rater reliability was even higher (φ = 0.94 − 0.97). Test-retest reliability was also shown to be good (φ = 0.79-0.93). The MDC95 was determined to be 10 points. Conclusion This study provides evidence that the TGMD-3 is a reliable test when used to evaluate fundamental movement skills in children with DCD and suggests that an increase of 10 points represents a significant change in the motor function of a child with DCD.