A review of five tests to identify motor coordination difficulties in young adults. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hands, Beth; Licari, Melissa; Piek, Jan
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 41/42(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Adolescents -- Adults -- Motor development -- Motor proficiency -- Motor competence -- Developmental Coordination Disorder; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Highlights: Tests to assess motor impairment in young adults have not been specifically designed. Test items that best identify DCD in this age group are unknown. The BOT-2 provides the best evidence of test validity and reliability with this age. No test addressed both Criterion A and B for a diagnosis of DCD. Abstract: Difficulties with low motor competence in childhood and adolescence, such as that seen in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), often persist into adulthood. Identification of DCD at all ages is particularly challenging and problematic because of the diversity of motor symptoms. Many tests of motor proficiency and impairment have been developed for children up to 12 years of age. Whilst identification of DCD is important during childhood, it is of equal importance to identify and monitor the impact of this impairment as an individual grows and develops. Currently there is no test specifically designed to support diagnosis and monitor change in the age range 16–30 years. In this article we review five tests that have been used to assess motor competence among young adults (Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2, McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2, Tufts Assessment of Motor Performance and the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment). Key issues relevant to testing motor skills in older populations, such as the inclusion of age appropriate skills, are explored. While the BOT-2 provided the most evidence for valid and reliable measurement of Criterion A of the diagnostic criteria for DCD among this age group, no test adequately evaluated Criterion B. Further evaluation of motor skill assessment among the young adult population is needed.