Convergent validity of two motor skill tests used to assess school-age children

Abstract

Background: Motor skills allow children to interact with their surrounding environment, making the progression of competent motor skills crucial to development. The most common form of motor skill assessment is through the use of performance-based tests. Performance measures need to be both reliable and valid to ensure they are of high quality. Two examples of performance-based motor skill tests often used to assess children are the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency – 2nd edition (BOT-2) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – 2nd edition (MABC-2). Aim: This study investigated the convergent validity between the BOT-2 and MABC-2 when completed by typically developing school-aged children aged 7–16 years. Method: A convenience sample of 50 children aged 7–16 years with no history of motor or intellectual impairments was recruited. Scores from the BOT-2 and MABC-2 were analysed using Spearman’s rho correlation. Results:The study found that the MABC-2 11- to 16-year-old group (age band 3) was significantly associated with the BOT-2; however, there were no significant relationships between the MABC-2 7- to 10-year-old group (age band 2) and the BOT-2. Conclusion: The MABC-2 and BOT-2 appear to assess associated motor skill abilities in children aged 11–16 years but not in children aged 7–10. This study adds to the body of convergent validity evidence regarding the MABC-2 and BOT-2.

Key words:

• performance-based assessment
• paediatrics
• motor skill performance
• MABC-2
• convergent validity
• children
• BOT-2

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to sincerely thank the children and parents who participated in this study. Without their invaluable assistance and input, this study would not have been possible.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.