A Systematic Review of Clinimetric Properties of Measurements of Motivation for Children Aged 5–16 Years with a Physical Disability or Motor Delay

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this systematical review was to appraise the clinimetric properties of measures of motivation in children aged 5–16 years with a physical disability or motor delay. Six electronic databases were searched. Studies were included if they reported measuring motivation in school-aged children across occupational performance areas. Two reviewers independently identified measures from included articles. Evaluation of measures was completed using the COSMIN (consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments) checklist. A total of 13,529 papers were retrieved, 15 reporting measurement of motivation in this population. Two measures met criteria: Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire (DMQ) and Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire (PVQ). There was evidence of adequate validity for DMQ, and preliminary evidence of test–retest reliability. Psychometric evidence for PVQ was poor. Both measures demonstrated good clinical utility. The large number of retrieved papers highlights the importance being attributed to motivation in clinical studies, although measurement is seldom performed. Both identified measures show promise but further psychometric research is required.

KEYWORDS. :

• Children
• measurement
• motivation
• motor delay
• physical disability
• psychometrics
• systematic review

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Laura Miller, MHSM, BSc (OT) is affiliated with the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Professor Jenny Ziviani, PhD, MEd, BA, BAppSc (OT), is affiliated with Queensland Children's Allied Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Professor Roslyn Nancy Boyd, PhD, MSc (Physio), Pgrad (Biomech), BAppSci (PT), BSc (Anatomy), is affiliated with Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.