Psychometric properties of the movement-specific reinvestment scale for Chinese children

Abstract

The propensity for movement-specific reinvestment (conscious attention to and control of body movements) is associated with disrupted movement in a variety of circumstances. Movement-specific reinvestment has been shown in adults but not in children, as a validated psychometric instrument for children does not exist. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a movement-specific reinvestment scale adapted specifically for Chinese children (MSRS-CC). Five hundred and thirty-two Chinese pre-adolescents aged 7–12 yrs completed the MSRS-CC and a sub-sample completed the questionnaire again three weeks later. Another sub-sample also completed the Coordination and Health subscales of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (short form; PSDQ-S). All questionnaires were completed during normal school days. A random half of sub-sample two completed the MSRS-CC before the PSDQ-S and the other half completed the questionnaires in reverse order. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated sound internal validity for the Scale's two-factor model. Acceptable internal reliability and satisfactory test–retest reliability were evident. Convergent and discriminant validity with the Coordination and Health subscales of the PSDQ-S was also tested, but the former was unexpectedly low. Future research using objective measures of motor proficiency was recommended. The MSRS-CC is potentially a valuable tool for understanding movement control by children in research as well as in clinical and educational settings.

Keywords:

• motor proficiency
• physical activity
• children
• confirmatory factor analysis
• health

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Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful for support from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKU 748709H) and the Public Health and Sciences of Learning Strategic Research Themes of the University of Hong Kong. Tsang Fan Pong is thanked for his technical support.

The second author, Dr Jon Maxwell, passed away on 25 January, 2009, while this study was under preparation. It is a privilege to have worked with Jon. His enthusiasm for the research and his sharp humour is dearly missed by us all.