Motor Importance of motor assessment in school children: analysis of the reliability of the motor development scale

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the motor performance of school chil-dren aged 6 to 10 years without learning difficulties (n=101), and to analyze the reliability of the Motor Development Scale (MDS) (Rosa Neto, 2002). Descriptive statistics with calculation of the mean, standard deviation, and range was used for data analysis. The internal consistency of the MDS was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the correlation between variables was determined by Pearson’s linear correlation, with p<0.05. The results showed (1) that motor development was within normal limits in 96% of the children, and (2) a high correlation betwe-en chronological age and general motor age, indicating good internal consistency. These data demonstrate the logic and structured design of the MDS, confirming its reliability.

Keywords

• school children
• motor development
• internal consistency
• alpha coefficient