A Dynamic Assessment of Children's Physical Competence: The Dragon Challenge. Issue 12 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: TYLER, RICHARD; FOWEATHER, LAWRENCE; MACKINTOSH, KELLY A.; STRATTON, GARETH
• Is Part Of: Medicine and science in sports and exercise. Volume 50:Issue 12(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: PHYSICAL COMPETENCE -- MOTOR COMPETENCE -- ASSESSMENT -- MEASUREMENT -- CHILDREN -- RELIABILITY -- VALIDITY; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-9131

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The first aim was to develop a dynamic measure of physical competence that requires a participant to demonstrate fundamental, combined and complex movement skills, and assessors to score both processes and products (Dragon Challenge [DC]). The second aim was to assess the psychometric properties of the DC in 10- to 14-yr-old children. Methods: The first phase involved the development of the DC, including the review process that established face and content validity. The second phase used DC surveillance data ( n = 4355; 10–12 yr) to investigate construct validity. In the final phase, a convenience sample ( n = 50; 10–14 yr) performed the DC twice (1-wk interval), the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and the Stability Skills Assessment (SSA). These data were used to investigate concurrent validity, and test–retest, interrater and intrarater reliabilities. Results: In support of construct validity, boys ( P < 0.001) and secondary school children ( P < 0.001) obtained higher DC total scores than girls and primary school children, respectively. A principal component analysis revealed a nine-component solution, with the three criteria scores for each individual DC task loading onto their own distinct component. This nine-factor structure was confirmed using a confirmatory factor analysis. Results for concurrent validity showed that there was a high positive correlation between DC total score and TGMD-2 and SSA overall score ( r (43) = 0.86, P < 0.001). DC total score showed good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.63, 0.90; P < 0.001). Interrater and intrarater reliabilities on all comparison levels was good (all intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.85). Conclusion: The DC is a valid and reliable tool to measure elements of physical competence in children age 10 to 14 yr. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.