Tests Of Motor Skills Research Articles

Automated Operant Conditioning in the Mouse Home Cage

Recent advances in neuroimaging and genetics have made mice an advantageous animal model for studying the neurophysiology of sensation, cognition, and locomotion. A key benefit of mice is that they provide a large population of test subjects for behavioral screening. Reflex-based assays of hearing in mice, such as the widely used acoustic startle response, are less accurate than operant conditioning in measuring auditory processing. To date, however, there are few cost-effective options for scalable operant conditioning systems. Here, we describe a new system for automated operant conditioning, the Psibox. It is assembled from low cost parts, designed to fit within typical commercial wire-top cages, and allows large numbers of mice to train independently in their home cages on positive reinforcement tasks. We found that groups of mice trained together learned to accurately detect sounds within 2 weeks of training. In addition, individual mice isolated from groups also showed good task performance. The Psibox facilitates high-throughput testing of sensory, motor, and cognitive skills in mice, and provides a readily available animal population for studies ranging from experience-dependent neural plasticity to rodent models of mental disorders.

Relations between anthropometric parameters and motor skills of the preadolescent female students

The aim of this research was to examine the relations between morphological markers and motor skills of preadolescent female students. In this cross-sectional study, the pertinent sample of N = 162 was represented by V grade elementary school female students (M= .11.24 years, SD= .86), while 16 measuring instruments were used for the evaluation of anthropometric characteristics, and the battery of 7 tests for motor skills evaluation. The findings have revealed that the two groups of the variables manifested are linearly correlated via one statistically significant canonical function which, explains 42% of the common variance proportion. The attained pair of canonical factors in anthropometric space has determined orthogonal linear combinations of the latent dimensions variables (subcutaneous fatty tissue, body voluminosity and body mass, transversal dimensionality of the skeleton and longitudinal dimensionality of the skeleton), while in the motor space it has been determined by the mechanism of female students' motor skills. The results have signaled that the participants who achieved higher scores on the motor skills tests (60 m sprint - crouch start, handstand against a vertical surface, 'scissors' high jump, forward shoulder roll on the dominant side, shot from the mark using basic technique, one-handed standing shot and ball bouncing on fingertips from the middle volleyball position) had lower canonical coefficients in the subcutaneous fatty tissue and body voluminosity measurements, and vice versa. Indicators of redundancy show that motor test variability depends on the variability of the anthropometric measurements, that is to say, that using the system of the anthropometric variables examined one can anticipate 15,23% of common motor variables variance, and using the system of motor variables 19,26% of motor variables variability.

DIFFERENCES IN MOTOR SKILS BETWEEN PRESCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS

The study was conducted on a sample of 50 boys and 44 girls aged 6 and 7 from Novi Sad. Seven motor skills tests were conducted. Multivariate (MANOVA) analysis of variance has revealed statistically significant differences in motor abilities between boys and girls (F=2.60; P=0.02). Separate analysis has concluded that those differences exist in the motor-ability factor for the assessment of the whole body coordination – Polygon backwards (p=0.02) and the lower-limb explosive power evaluation – A 20 m sprint test froma starting position (p=0.04) in favor of boys in both cases, as well as the the factor for the functional synegry and the regulation of muscle tone manifested through the variable Wide-angle seated forward bend (p=0.04) in favor of girls.

Técnicas grafoplásticas como herramienta de desarrollo psicomotriz fino en niños de 2 a 3 años

The first three years of life in the child have been prioritized as part of a fundamental stage in the child's development. In the Integral Development Center Mi Angelito Corre, it is necessary a plan to stimulate the child in his psychomotor development by means of graphoplastic techniques, besides working in an adequate leveling in the abilities and skills of the child. The study is aimed at determining if there is an incidence of fine psychomotor development and graphoplastic techniques in 3-year- old children. This study has a qualitative-correlational approach, which consists in the development of tests of psychomotor factors, fine language, social attitudes and gross motor skills by applying the Denver test. The information was entered and analyzed through the SPSS program. The statistic used to corroborate the proposed hypothesis is the Chi-square. It is concluded that, the application of graphoplastic techniques in the process of instruction of child preparation through activities that generate satisfaction and desire to learn and develop their skills. Finally, it was observed that some techniques were not pleasant to the child's perception and it was difficult to adapt to their stimulation.

Comparison of self-reported and performance-based measures of functional ability in elderly patients in an emergency department: implications for selection of clinical outcome measures.

BackgroundAssessment of functional ability in elderly patients is often based on self-reported rather than performance-based measures. This study aims to compare self-reported and performance-based measures of functional ability in a population of elderly patients at an emergency department (ED).MethodsParticipants were 61 patients aged 65 years and above admitted to an ED. The self-reported measure used was the Barthel-20; the performance-based measures were Timed Up and Go (TUG); 30s-Chair Stand Test (30s-CST) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) with the two scales; motor and process. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between the self-reported and performance-based measures of functional ability.ResultsThe correlation between the Barthel-20 and the TUG was moderate (r = −0.64). The correlation between the Barthel-20 and the AMPS motor was also moderate (r = 0.53). The correlation between the Barthel-20 and the 30s-CST was fair (r = 0.45). The correlation between Barthel-20 and the AMPS process was non-significant. The results were affected by high ceiling effect (Barthel-20).ConclusionSelf-reported and performance-based measures seem to assess different aspects of functional ability. Thus, the two methods provide different information, and this highlight the importance of supplementing self-reported measures with performance-based measures when assessing functional ability in elderly patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0376-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Relationship between Physical, Motor, and Intellectual Development of Preschool Children

Abstract The study examined the relationship of physical, motor, and intellectual development of preschool children. The sample included 72 children aged 5.60 (±0.32) years. Two anthropometric measures (body height, body weight), two motor skills tests (obstacle course, broad jump), and an intelligence test (Raven's CPM) were applied. Taxonomic analysis identified two distinctive developmental profiles in terms of physical growth and motor competence: 1) Shorter children of a lower body weight, less competent; 2) Taller, heavier and more competent children. Physical growth and motor development are positively correlated in children aged 5-6, with no such relation between these domains and intelligence.

RATING CHANGES INTRODUCED IN SOME CHARACTERISTIC MORPHOLOGICAL AND BASIC-SPECIFIC MOTOR SKILLS TO YOUNG ACTIVE AND INACTIVE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The experiment deals with young people aged 13-14 years, male. Basketball team active and inactive, active group in addition to regular classes; they also practice basketball in clubs within the city. The experiment contains a total of eight morphological variables; five variables are the basic motor tests, while three tests of motor skills, situational. In this research, it applied test method T-group basketball between active and inactive, and morphological variables of specific movement skills. The study includes a total of 60 entities male group of 30 active students and other inactive group, who have undergone the tests provided for this study. Article visualizations:

Long-Term Motor Deficits after Controlled Cortical Impact in Rats Can Be Detected by Fine Motor Skill Tests but Not by Automated Gait Analysis.

Animal models with constant, long-lasting motor deficits together with the right tests to assess behavioral abnormalities are needed to study the effectiveness of potential therapies to restore motor functions. In the current study, controlled cortical impact (CCI) was applied in rats to induce damage to the forelimb area of the motor cortex and the dorsal striatum. Motor behavior was assessed before and after CCI, using fine motor skill tests such as the adhesive removal test, the cylinder test, and the Montoya staircase test as well as the automated gait analysis system CatWalk XT over a 6 week period. CCI caused a variety of unilateral motor deficits, which were characterized in detail by using the selected fine motor skill tests. In striking contrast to previous studies on CCI in mice, neither forelimb impairments, nor general changes in gait, were detected with the CatWalk XT. These data suggest that the adhesive removal test, the cylinder test, and the Montoya staircase test are the methods of choice to detect long-term unilateral motor deficits in rats after CCI, whereas the use of automated gait analysis systems might not be suitable to measure these behavioral deviations.

Migraine is associated with better cognition in the middle-aged and elderly: the Rotterdam Study.

Converging evidence suggests that migraine has, in part, a vascular basis. In turn, vascular pathology is a strong risk factor for cognitive decline. In this population-based study, we studied cognition amongst individuals with and without migraine. In 6708 participants of the Rotterdam Study, migraine was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Cognition was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a dedicated cognitive test battery. Participants were classified as non-migraineurs (n = 5399), migraineurs (n = 1021) or probable migraineurs (n = 288). Multivariable linear regression was used to cross-sectionally evaluate the association between migraine and cognition, adjusting for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, we stratified the analysis by sex and by migraine subtype. Migraineurs had higher mean MMSE scores [unstandardized regression coefficient 0.21, (95% confidence interval, 0.08; 0.34)] and global cognition [0.10 (0.04; 0.15)] than non-migraineurs. This difference was particularly marked for migraineurs with aura [MMSE: 0.39 (0.13; 0.66); global cognition: 0.13 (0.01; 0.24)]. Migraineurs performed better on tests of executive function and fine motor skills amongst specific cognitive domains. The difference in MMSE between migraineurs and non-migraineurs was greater in women [0.25 (0.10; 0.40)] than in men [0.13 (-0.15; 0.40)], whereas the difference in global cognition was similar in men and women [0.15 (0.04; 0.27) and 0.09 (0.02; 0.15), respectively]. Migraineurs, particularly migraineurs with aura, tend to score higher in cognition tests than non-migraineurs. More studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

The effects of an early motor skill intervention on motor skills, levels of physical activity, and socialization in young children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study.

Despite evidence suggesting one of the earliest indicators of an eventual autism spectrum disorder diagnoses is an early motor delay, there remain very few interventions targeting motor behavior as the primary outcome for young children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this pilot study was to measure the efficacy of an intensive motor skill intervention on motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), physical activity (accelerometers), and socialization (Playground Observation of Peer Engagement) in young children with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 20 children with autism spectrum disorder aged 4-6 years participated. The experimental group ( n = 11) participated in an 8-week intervention consisting of motor skill instruction for 4 h/day, 5 days/week. The control group ( n = 9) did not receive the intervention. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant differences between groups in all three motor outcomes, locomotor ( F(1, 14) = 10.07, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.42), object control ( F(1, 14) = 12.90, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.48), and gross quotient ( F(1, 14) = 15.61, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.53). Findings shed light on the importance of including motor programming as part of the early intervention services delivered to young children with autism spectrum disorder.

Morphological and Motor-Functional Factors Influencing Fundamental Movement Skills in Eight-Year-Old Children

Background: Because some children are already being selected for some sports disciplines by the age of eight, it is important to know whether quantitative measurement tests could serve as a good selection tool in this context. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the possible influence of motor-functional abilities and morphological characteristics on fundamental movement skills in eight-year-old children. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 children (45 boys and 45 girls) participated in this study and were subjected to two tests for morphological status assessment (body height and body weight), three tests of motor-functional abilities (forward bow, standing long jump, and 1/4 mile run), and one test of fundamental motor skills (FMS-POLYGON). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence of morphological characteristics and motor-functional abilities on fundamental movement skills. Results: The results of this study show that explosive strength and endurance are significant predictors of FMS-POLYGON performance in both genders, whereas body height is a significant predictor only in boys. Conclusions: We conclude that girls with high endurance and strength have better results in the FMS-POLYGON, whereas boys must be taller and have higher degrees of endurance and strength to excel. Future studies should determine the trends and laws of influence concerning the analyzed factors in children of different ages.

Motor skills and verbal fluency in HIV positive older adults in Rural Eastern Zambia

Objectives: To investigate the performance of HIV infected older adults resident in a rural area in Eastern Zambia with low education level on the motor skills and verbal fluency.Materials and Methods: A quantitative and cross sectional study consisting of 28 HIV positive and 22 HIV negative rural resident adults in Chipata with the age range of 40-65years with fewer than five years of education. The present sub study extended the generalisability of the Zambia Neurobehavioral Test Battery (ZNTB) findings with literate, urban adults in the main study to a sample of less formally educated, elderly, rural adults, using tests of motor skill and some verbal fluency tests translated into local language, that were not expected to depend on formal education. The main sample study included 41 participants with the education range of 5-7 years drawn from the main sample in the 6 clinics in Lusaka. Some aspects of the ZNTB were used to measure cognitive functioning. The Finger Tapping Test of the Developmental Neuropsychological Test Battery was also used.Results: Tests of motor skill were less sensitive to HIV infection (F (1, 48) = 1.134, p= .292) than verbal fluency tests-Hopkins Verbal Learning (F (1, 48) = 42.994, p=.000, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test- delay (F (1, 48) = 45.886, p= .000, Animal Naming (F(1, 48) = 14.772, p= .000 and Action Naming (F (1, 48) = 14.227, p= .000). Contrary to hypothesis, performance on the grooved pegboard test of motor skill was significantly higher by participants with full primary education (Z score= -0.90) than by less educated participants (Z score= 1.80).Conclusions: This study has brought to light what was not known about the effect of HIV and education on the performance of the motor tasks and verbal fluency among the low literate adults. It has shown that regardless of the HIV status individuals can perform tasks normally on the motor tasks more especially with the improved treatment of HIV.

Physical fitness of overweight and underweight preschool children from southern Poland.

The main aim of this study was to assess differences in the level of physical fitness between children of preschool age with different BMI, as overweight and obesity are an increasing problem even in this age group. The study group consisted of 3,945 children aged 4 to 6 years living in southern Poland. Analysis included the results of body height and weight measurements (from which BMI was calculated) and motor skills tests: sit-and-reach test, standing broad jump and handgrip strength. Children were grouped according to the Obesity Task Force categories. Significant differences in body height were visible (i) between overweight and normal children and (ii) between overweight and underweight children. In terms of body weight and BMI, significant differences existed between all groups. With regard to fitness tests, the greatest differences were observed for handgrip strength and standing broad jump. The sit-and-reach test did not reveal any differences between the groups. The results showed that overall physical fitness was negatively correlated with relative weight; general fitness in overweight children was lower than in normal or underweight children. As it is obvious that physical activity is indispensable even for preschool children, any increase in physical activity could at least partially alleviate the problem of excessive weight and improve the general fitness of children. In the future this would reduce the incidence of diseases related to obesity and a lack of exercise.

Influence of Skeletal Maturity on Size, Function and Sport-specific Technical Skills in Youth Soccer Players

This study compared variation in size, function and sport-specific technical skills of youth soccer players associated with differences in biological maturity status. 60 male soccer players of under-14 (U14) and under-17 (U17) categories were submitted to anthropometric and body composition measurements as well as motor and soccer-specific technical skill tests. Skeletal maturity was determined by skeletal age. Athletes of both categories were classified as early, on-time or late-maturing, according to the difference between chronological age and skeletal age. Body mass and height were lower in the late athletes, independent of category (P<0.01). Differences in adiposity were found only between athletes of the U14 (late<early, P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were identified on aerobic endurance in U14 (early<on time, P<0.01), upper limbs muscular strength (late<early, P<0.01) and flexibility in U17 (late<on time, P<0.05). Players in each age group of contrasting maturity status do not differ in soccer-specific skills. The results suggest that the maturational development influences body mass, height, body fat, flexibility, muscular strength of upper limbs and cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas the specific technical skills and other functional capabilities do not seem to be affected.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Neonatal Surgery for Major Noncardiac Anomalies.

Increasing concerns have been raised about the incidence of neurodevelopmental delay in children with noncardiac congenital anomalies (NCCA) requiring neonatal surgery. This study aimed to determine the incidence and potential risk factors for developmental delay after neonatal surgery for major NCCA. A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed through March 2015. Original research articles on standardized cognitive or motor skills tests. Data on neurodevelopmental outcome, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and risk factors for delay were extracted. In total, 23 eligible studies were included, reporting on 895 children. Meta-analysis was performed with data of 511 children, assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 12 and 24 months of age. Delay in cognitive development was reported in a median of 23% (3%-56%). Meta-analysis showed a cognitive score of 0.5 SD below the population average (Mental Development Index 92 ± 13, mean ± SD; P < .001). Motor development was delayed in 25% (0%-77%). Meta-analysis showed a motor score of 0.6 SD below average (Psychomotor Development Index 91 ± 14; P < .001). Several of these studies report risk factors for psychomotor delay, including low birth weight, a higher number of congenital anomalies, duration of hospital admission, and repeated surgery. All data were retrieved from studies with small sample sizes and various congenital anomalies using different neurodevelopmental assessment tools. Cognitive and motor developmental delay was found in 23% of patients with NCCA. Meta-analysis showed that the mean neurodevelopmental outcome scores were 0.5 SD below the normative score of the healthy population.

The Influence of Anthropometric Indices on Execution Technique Specific to Crawl Swimming for Students of Physical Education and Sport Specialization

The aim of the study was to establish the level of learning and performance of the crawl technique, taking into account the hydrodynamic index and the anthropometric characteristics, as a result of practical swimming lessons, with students of first year, specialization physical education and sport. The Experiment was conducted during the academic year 2015-2016 and included a total of 18 students, boys between the ages of 19-22 years, first year, physical education specialization. Motor skills tests which were applied targeted: the length of facial floating with a push from the wall and the length of time performed on 25 metres distance in the crawl swimming stroke. Anthropometric measurements consisted in the determination of the hydrodynamic index taking into account the biacromial and bitrohanterial diameters and the difference between the wingspan of the arms and height. At the end of the study the floating facial test has recorded a progress of 0.29 m and the test concerning the execution technique of the crawl stroke has recorded a progress of 1.65 h, which in correlation with the hydrodynamic and anthropometric indices led to the conclusion that this is due, in particular, to the execution technique corrected by the methodology applied to the classes of practical works at swimming discipline. Performing practical lessons at the swimming subject unfolded over the course of a university semester reaches the goals of improving knowledge of teaching methodology to a great extent but it equally shows a deficit at the level of physical performance of the future specialists. Following the application of the selected means of action and the choice of an efficient teaching strategy in both tests which aimed at the execution technique indices of the crawl stroke a significant progress was made.

Postural stability and motor performance of people with hearing impairment

Abstract Introduction: Postural stability is the ability to recover the balance which was lost as a result of destabilizing factors. The balance is considered to be a key component of motor skills. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the parameters of postural stability and motor performance of people with hearing impairment. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 42 people with hearing impairment from the earliest moments of life. Their degree of hearing impairment was significant or profound. The research methods included: medical history and examination to exclude damage to the vestibule, anthropometric measurements, stabilometric measurements on AccuSway AMTI platform under stable conditions, Biodex BBS platform under stable and unstable conditions and Eurofit Test. Results: No significant correlation between the parameters of postural stability and the majority of motor skill tests results was observed in the group of people with hearing impairment. The study revealed statistically significant correlations in both groups (women and men) between index of Fall Risk Test and the results of Flamingo test and also between the path COP with eyes open and the test results Flamingo. There were positive high correlations. Conclusions: Balance parameters showed no association with other motor skills assessed with Eurofit test except the Flamingo test, which is used to the evaluation of the functional stability. The study indicated the need to look for other relationships between postural stability and motor performance in larger groups.

MOTOR SKILLS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OUTCOMES FROM A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION IN SHORT BREAKS ON PRESCHOOL CHILDREN CONDUCTED BY THEIR EDUCATORS: A PILOT STUDY.

childhood obesity is a worldwide health concern. For this issue different intervention have being planned to increase physical activity patterns and reduce the excess of weight in children with limited or no success. the aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a pilot intervention consisting in three 15-minute breaks conducted by educators and supervised by physical education teachers on motor skills and nutritional status in preschool children. sample was 70 preschool children (32 boys and 38 girls), age 4 ± 0,6 years. The physical activity classes were performed three times a week, 45 minutes daily, distributed in three 15 minutes breaks. The circuits were planned to have; jumps, sprints, carrying medicinal balls, gallops and crawling. Motor skill tests that were performed Standing long jump (SLJ) and Twelve meter run. with the intervention no significant differences in nutritional status where found on mean Z score (boys p = 0.49, girls p = 0.77). An increment on weight and height was fount after the intervention (p < 0.0001). Regarding the 12 meter run test, we found significant changes after the intervention when we normalize by weight in boys (p = 0.002) and girls (p < 0.0001). Our results have shown than boys significantly increased their SLJ and SLJ normalized by weight (p < 0.0001); a similar result was found in girls after the intervention (p < 0.0001) suggesting the increment of power independent of weight gain. in conclusion, this pilot study found that an intervention with more intense activities in small breaks (15 minutes), and guided by the educators could improve essential motor skills (running and jumping) in preschool children of a semi-rural sector independent of nutritional status. This gaining in motor skills is the first step to increase physical activity levels in preschool children.

Cognitive and psychomotor effects of three months of escitalopram treatment in elderly patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundAlthough psychomotor retardation (PR) and cognitive disfunctioning are essential symptoms of elderly depressed patients, the differential effect of treatment with an SSRI in the elderly on these symptoms has hardly got any attention in studies with objective experimental measures. Since effects appear relatively slower in elderly, this study evaluates the effect on cognitive and psychomotor functioning as compared to mood, on four points during a twelve week follow up of monotreatment with escitalopram. Method28 non-demented elderly unipolar depressive patients on 5–20mg escitalopram were compared to 20 matched healthy elderly. All participants underwent a test battery containing clinical depression measures, cognitive measures of processing speed, executive function and memory, clinical ratings of PR, and objective computerized fine motor skill-tests at the start and after 2, 6 and 12 weeks. Statistical analysis consisted of a General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance of completers to compare the psychomotor and cognitive outcomes of the two groups. ResultsAlthough, apart from the significant mood effect, no interaction effects were found for the psychomotor and cognitive tasks, the means in general show a trend of differential effects in cognitive and psychomotor functions, with smaller effects and delayed timeframes and with presence of subgroups compared to mood effects. LimitationLonger follow up studies are necessary to evaluate differential long term effects. ConclusionIn elderly, moderate effects of SSRI treatment on mood precede slow or limited effects on cognition and psychomotor retardation.

Relationship Between Physical Factors and Non-Sport Specific Movement Skills in Australian Taekwondo Athletes

BACKGROUND: Success in many sports is reliant upon unique skill attributes which are difficult to accurately and reliably assess such as balance, timing, and general coordination. Non-sport specific motor test batteries, such as the körperkoordinationstest für kinder (KTK), are gaining prominence for their ability to reliably assess fundamental movement skill attributes. For instance, the KTK discriminates and predicts expertise in gymnasts. However, as skill tests are difficult to validate, one criticism is that results are reliant upon alternative variables, such anthropometric or physiological qualities. Therefore, the KTK may not actually be a valid assessor of skill. A method of critically evaluating these skill tests is to assess their relationship with traditional measures of anthropometry and physiology. PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between physiological and anthropometric qualities and non-sport specific motor skills. METHODS: Twelve Australian national team taekwondo athletes (mean ± SD; age 23.2 ± 3.7 yrs) completed anthropometric, physiological and fundamental motor skill tests. Anthropometry was assessed by body mass (BM), height (Ht), and sum of seven skinfolds (Sum7); physiological assessment included countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SQJ), and a 20m shuttle run (SRun). Fundamental motor skills were assessed by the KTK, a testing battery of 4 non-sports specific tests including: obstacle hopping for height (HopH); backwards balance beam walking (BacBal); sideways jumping, scored for repetitions over 15 sec (SWJ); and moving sideways on platforms, scored for repetitions over 20 sec (MP). RESULTS: Controlling for gender, KTK performance correlated significantly only with CMJ height (r=.76, P<0.05). Further analysis of KTK subtests revealed BacBal performance correlated with SQJ relative peak power (r=.72, P<<0.05) and HopH correlated with BM (r=-.79, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate that physiological and anthropometric qualities have a weak association with non-sport specific motor skills in national level athletes. The KTK may be a valid assessment of fundamental movement skills as performance is likely related to non-physiologic and anthropometric attributes such as perceptual expertise.