Comparison of Motor Creativity with Figural and Verbal Creativity,and Selected Motor Skills

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate relationships between various forms of creativity, and to determine whether the expression of motor creativity is related to selected motor skills. The tests administered to the 65 fourth grade subjects consisted of creative thinking tests, a motor creativity battery, and motor skill tests. The following conclusions were drawn: (a) the expression of motor creativity through movement is not related to performance on the selected motor skill items; (b) creativity does not appear to be a generalized trait in as much as significant relationships were not found between the various aspects of creativity; (c) a tendency toward generalization of creativity was found for girls but not for boys; (d) a combination of weight, figural fluency and figural originality accounts for a significant amount of the variability in motor creativity for boys, while a combination of figural and verbal creativity factors does the same for girls; (e) boys of this age perform significantly better than girls on skill tests involving strength, while girls excel on balance and agility items.     

Age and Sex Differences in Motor Performance of 3 through 6 Year Old Children

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of age and sex to the performance of 3, 4, 5, and 6 year olds on seven motor performance test items. Although significant age and sex differences were found on most of the motor tests, it appears that age generally was related more to performance than was gender. Overall, change with age was fairly linear except perhaps for balancing and a general tapering in improvement in the 5 to 6 year old category. On the tests of throwing and balancing, gender was as important as age, or more so, in its relationship to performance. Boys were superior to girls at all ages on the throwing tests; girls were superior to boys at age 6 on the Balance test. Gender differences of a lesser magnitude were found on the Speed Run and Standing Long Jump tests with the performance of boys generally being superior to the performance of girls. Thus, it appears that gender differences in motor performance occur as early as the preschool years. Interestingly, except for the Balance test, on all the tests the 3 and 4 year old boys performed similarly and the 5 and 6 year old boys performed similarly. For the girls there were more significant differences from year to year in performance, with the data generally indicating at least three distinct skill groups for girls from age 3 to 6.     

The Dutch motor skills assessment as tool for talent development in table tennis: a reproducibility and validity study

A motor skills assessment could be helpful in talent development by estimating essential perceptuo-motor skills of young players, which are considered requisite to develop excellent technical and tactical qualities. The Netherlands Table Tennis Association uses a motor skills assessment in their talent development programme consisting of eight items measuring perceptuo-motor skills specific to table tennis under varying conditions. This study aimed to investigate this assessment regarding its reproducibility, internal consistency, underlying dimensions and concurrent validity in 113 young table tennis players (6–10 years). Intraclass correlation coefficients of six test items met the criteria of 0.7 with coefficients of variation between 3% and 8%. Cronbach’s alpha valued 0.853 for internal consistency. The principal components analysis distinguished two conceptually meaningful factors: “ball control” and “gross motor function.” Concurrent validity analyses demonstrated moderate associations between the motor skills assessment’s results and national ranking; boys r = ?0.53 (P < 0.001) and girls r = ?0.45 (P = 0.015). In conclusion, this evaluation demonstrated six test items with acceptable reproducibility, good internal consistency and good prospects for validity. Two test items need revision to upgrade reproducibility. Since the motor skills assessment seems to be a reproducible, objective part of a talent development programme, more longitudinal studies are required to investigate its predictive validity.     

Motor coordination,physical activity and fitness as predictors of longitudinal change in adiposity during childhood

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of motor coordination (MC), physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) on the development of subcutaneous adiposity in a sample of children followed longitudinally from 6 to 10 years of age. Participants were 142 girls and 143 boys. Height, weight, and the triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured annually between the ages of 6 and 10 years. PA was estimated with the Godin–Shephard questionnaire. MC was evaluated with the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder (KTK) test battery, and PF was assessed with four Fitnessgram tests: curl-ups (CU), push-ups (PU), trunk-lifts (TL) and one mile run/walk (MRW). Hierarchical linear modelling with MC, PF items and PA as predictors of the sum of two skinfolds (SKF) was used. The results showed that boys and girls differed significantly in SKF at baseline (girls: 19.7 mm; boys: 16.6 mm). Three PF items (CU, PU and MRW) and MC had a positive influence on SKF. For each unit improvement in CU, PU, MRW and MC, SKF was reduced by 0.06, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.12 mm, respectively. In conclusion, motor coordination, muscular strength and endurance, and aerobic endurance attenuated the accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue during childhood.     

Fundamental movement skills and weight status in British primary school children

Abstract

Weight status has been shown to have a negative impact on children's competence in performing fundamental movement skills (FMSs). Following ethics approval and informed consent, 281 children in years 2–6 from a school in central England volunteered to participate. Each child performed eight FMSs (run, hop, gallop, jump, balance, kick, throw and catch) three times, all attempts were video-recorded. Video analysis was performed (Quintic Biomechanics software) using the Process Orient Checklist (subjective measurement). Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and weight status was determined. Results highlighted that year group (age) had a significant effect on seven out of the eight skills (not kick). Year 4 (aged 8–9 years) significantly scored lower in all three locomotor skills (run, hop and gallop) at this age, whereas Year 5 (aged 9–10 years) all significantly peaked at the object control skills (catch and throw) at this age. Weight status (BMI) significantly affected the run, identifying that a child with a larger BMI will have a lower mastery level of the run. Gender significantly affected the kick, throw and balance, with girls outperforming in the balance and the boys in the kick and throw. By highlighting that children at different ages will have a lower score in different skills, the effect of BMI and gender on certain FMS is important knowledge for the target of intervention in primary school children.     

An Analysis of Water Resistance and Propulsion in Swimming the Crawl Stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an easily administered test of motor ability for college men. Expert opinion was used in the validation process and eight factors of motor ability and 29 items measuring those factors were chosen. The selected tests were administered to 222 college men and statistical analysis covered item reliability, objectivity, correlations with the criterion, and intercorrelations. Through use of the Doolittle technique multiple correlations and regression equations were computed for a number of combinations. Two test batteries including one short indoor test were recommended. Scoring tables, norms, score card, profile, and directions for administering are included in a test manual.     

Skeletal maturation,fundamental motor skills and motor coordination in children 7–10 years

Relationships between skeletal maturation and fundamental motor skills and gross motor coordination were evaluated in 429 children (213 boys and 216 girls) 7–10 years. Skeletal age was assessed (Tanner-Whitehouse 2 method), and stature, body mass, motor coordination (Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder, KTK) and fundamental motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development, TGMD-2) were measured. Relationships among chronological age, skeletal age (expressed as the standardised residual of skeletal age on chronological age) and body size and fundamental motor skills and motor coordination were analysed with hierarchical multiple regression. Standardised residual of skeletal age on chronological age interacting with stature and body mass explained a maximum of 7.0% of the variance in fundamental motor skills and motor coordination over that attributed to body size per se. Standardised residual of skeletal age on chronological age alone accounted for a maximum of 9.0% of variance in fundamental motor skills, and motor coordination over that attributed to body size per se and interactions between standardised residual of skeletal age on chronological age and body size. In conclusion, skeletal age alone or interacting with body size has a negligible influence on fundamental motor skills and motor coordination in children 7–10 years.     

A Comparison of the Motor Performance of Black and Caucasian Girls Age 6–8

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to determine possible age and race difference between Black and Caucasian girls ages 6, 7, and 8 years. Ninety female subjects were administered 28 test items measuring speed, muscular power, agility, flexibility, balance, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Few significant differences were observed between adjacent ages but 8-year-old females were significantly superior to the 6-year-old subjects on most motor performance variables utilized. For race comparisons, no significant differences were noted for measures of flexibility, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, speed, balance, or muscular power. The Black subjects were significantly superior on two measures of agility while the Caucasian subjects performed significantly better on the time-limit shuttle run and grip strength.     

Moving Well-Being Well: Investigating the maturation of fundamental movement skill proficiency across sex in Irish children aged five to twelve

ABSTRACT

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are the basic building blocks of more advanced, complex movements required to participate in physical activity. This study examined FMS proficiency across the full range of Irish primary school children (n = 2098, 47% girls, age range 5–12 years). Participants were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, 3rd edition (TGMD-3), Victorian Fundamental Movement skills manual, and the balance subtest from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2 (BOT-2). Independent sample t-tests and a one way between groups ANOVA with planned comparisons were used analyse sex and age differences. Mastery or near mastery of skills ranged from 16% for overhand throw, to 75.3% for run. Girls scored significantly higher than boys in the locomotor and balance subtests with the boys outperforming the girls in object control skills. Improvements in ability can be seen over time (F(8,1968) = 70.18, p < 0.001), with significant increases in FMS proficiency seen up to the age of 10, after which proficiency begins to decline. The findings demonstrate the low levels of FMS proficiency amongst Irish primary school children, the differences between sex that exist, and highlights the need for more programmes that focus on developing these FMS at an early age.     

Measuring Selected Motor Skills in Fourth,Fifth, and Sixth Grades

Abstract

This article presents seven tests which were devised for measuring selected motor skills in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade boys and girls. An analysis of the data indicated that the tests were reliable for the population measured, and that age, height, and weight factors were not statistically significant in determining performance as measured by these tests. Performance standards were computed for each sex within each grade level.     

The Development of a Test of Motor Creativity

Abstract

Four test items were devised for each of four motivators: rubber balls, parallel-lines, a red hoop, and a low balance beam. These motivators were designed to serve as stimuli for tests capable of differentiating individual ability to produce both number and uniqueness of motor responses in problem solving tasks of a motor nature. Eight of the test items were administered one day and the remaining eight the following day. Equivalent form reliabilities for items ranged from .59 to .92. Internal coefficient reliabilities were .87 for day I and .92 for day II; however, because of factors such as intrasubject variance only day I data were subjected to a multiple regression analysis to determine the final test battery.

Methods of scoring, such as summing the number of responses (fluency), computing frequency of occurrence (originality), and combining the fluency and originality scores were investigated. Three test forms, each measuring a different aspect of motor creativity, emerged from the analysis. Form O is presented as a measure of motor originality, Form F as a measure of motor fluency, and Form M-C as a measure of motor creativity (motor originality and fluency).

Findings of this study are in agreement with many investigations which find a consistently high relationship between fluency and originality in creativity tests.     

Age and sex differences in motor performance of pre‐school Nigerian children

Differences in motor performance according to chronological age and gender of 341 young Nigerian children (ages 3 to 5) were examined. Motor test items designed by Morris et al. (1981) were administered to the subjects. Analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in the motor performance of the groups. In the whole sample, more age differences than sex differences in performance were noted. Except for the balancing and running performances of the girls, a fairly linear trend of improvement with age was observed in the motor performances of the groups. At each age level the boys consistently performed better than the girls in four of the six motor tests (catching, standing long jump, tennis ball throw and speed run). Generally, the 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children performed homogeneously, with a great disparity in performance noted for the 3‐year‐old children. The results of this study confirm that age and sex differences in motor performance occur at early childhood. Prospective studies should seek to control the extraneous factors which influence motor development and account for the observed differences in motor performance of pre‐school children.     

Age and sex differences in motor performance of pre-school Nigerian children

Differences in motor performance according to chronological age and gender of 341 young Nigerian children (ages 3 to 5) were examined. Motor test items designed by Morris et al. (1981) were administered to the subjects. Analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in the motor performance of the groups. In the whole sample, more age differences than sex differences in performance were noted. Except for the balancing and running performances of the girls, a fairly linear trend of improvement with age was observed in the motor performances of the groups. At each age level the boys consistently performed better than the girls in four of the six motor tests (catching, standing long jump, tennis ball throw and speed run). Generally, the 4- and 5-year-old children performed homogeneously, with a great disparity in performance noted for the 3-year-old children. The results of this study confirm that age and sex differences in motor performance occur at early childhood. Prospective studies should seek to control the extraneous factors which influence motor development and account for the observed differences in motor performance of pre-school children.     

Comparison of Motor Ability,New Motor Skill Learning,and Adjustment to a Rearranged Visual Field

Abstract

The ability of 48 college women to adjust hand-eye coordination in a rearranged visual field was compared with ability to learn a new motor skill and with present level of motor ability. The measuring instruments utilized included the Scott motor ability test, Moody's new motor skill learning test, and a variation of the mirror-box test of Held and Gottlieb. Subjects were exposed for one minute to each of four experimental treatments—moving chessmen and throwing a ball performed both while wearing prism-glasses and without wearing these glasses. Subjects received one treatment per day, two days per week; the treatments were repeated in the same order and sequence, making a total of eight experimental sessions. The findings did not justify the conclusion that a relationship exists between motor ability or new motor skill learning and ability to adjust to a rearranged visual field. Wearing prism-glasses did not result in a consistent amount of visual rearrangement with each subject.     

Acquisition of Elementary Swimming Skills by Negro and White College Women

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare Negro and white college women in beginning swimming on performance, motor ability, buoyancy, and body measurements. Thirteen Negro and 44 white nonswimmers were assigned to one of four classes for eight weeks of instruction. The criterion of a nonswimmer was the inability to propel the body 15 feet in a prone position with the face immersed. Preliminary tests included the Scott Motor Ability Test and measurements of height, weight, sitting height, leg length, shoulder width, hip width, and breathing capacity. Buoyancy was assessed by hydrostatic weighing. Learning rate was recorded as the number of trials required to execute successfully 15 progressive swimming skills. The Fox Power Test was administered as a measure of terminal achievement. Evidence indicated that the Negro group was significantly superior in motor ability, while the white group was significantly superior in swimming performance and was more buoyant. Because of the difficulty experienced by the Negro group with skills demanding buoyancy, swimming progressions for nonbuoyant college women should not utilize horizontal flotation as an integral component.     

Modelling the dynamics of children’s gross motor coordination

ABSTRACT

This study modelled children’s gross motor coordination, investigated sex-differences and identified the effects of fixed and dynamic correlates on motor coordination development. A total of 344 Portuguese children (170 girls), from 6 age cohorts (5 to 9 years of age), were followed consecutively for three years (age range 5 to 11 years) using a mixed-longitudinal cohort design. Birth weight, hand dominance and socioeconomic status (SES) were identified. Gross motor coordination, body mass index, physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) were assessed annually. A sequence of multilevel hierarchical linear models were developed. Model 1 found that age, age², sex, sex-by-age and sex-by-age² were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of gross motor coordination. Boys outperformed girls from 6 years of age onwards. Model 2 found a cohort effect (p < 0.05). Model 3 found that right handers were more coordinated (p < 0.05). When the confounders of body mass index, PF and PA were added to the model (Model 4) it was found that boys and girls had parallel trajectories in their gross motor coordination development. In conclusion children with increasing body mass index were less coordinated, while those who were stronger and more agile had steeper trajectories of gross motor coordination with age.     

The Reliability and Validity of Selected Physical Fitness Tests for High School Girls

Abstract

The Rogers' Strength Test, the Kraus-Weber Test of Minimum Muscular Fitness, and a battery of motor fitness tests were administered to 169 freshmen, sophomore, and junior girls at Shoreline High School, Seattle, Washington. Each test was administered two or more times in order to investigate the reliability of the tests. The results seemed to indicate that the Rogers' Strength Test and Washington Battery were reliable, that those who scored high on the Washington Battery and on the PFI had a much lower percentage of failures on the Kraus-Weber test than did those with poor Washington Battery and PFI scores, and that there was a moderate correlation (.54) between the Washington Battery and the PFI.     

Effects of a Ballet Training Program upon the Physical Performance of College Freshmen

Abstract

Sixty male college freshman physical education students were randomly assigned into three groups. For a period of 24 weeks each group carried out a different training program, one of which was a basic ballet training program. At the completion of the training session the groups were given a series of seven test items. Analysis of variance techniques showed a significant difference between the groups in four of the test items. The group which followed the ballet training program achieved higher mean scores on all seven of the test items.     

Self-belief does make a difference: A reciprocal effects model of the causal ordering of physical self-concept and gymnastics performance

Abstract

A large body of research in support of the reciprocal effects model of causal ordering demonstrates that prior academic self-concept predicts subsequent academic achievement beyond what can be explained in terms of prior achievement. Here we evaluate the generalizability of this support for the reciprocal effects model to a physical activity context in which achievement is reflected in gymnastics skills on a standardized gymnastics performance test evaluated by expert judges. Based on the responses of 376 adolescents collected at the start (T1) and end (T2) of a gymnastics training programme, there is support for a reciprocal effects model in which there are significant paths leading from both T1 gymnastics self-concept to T2 gymnastics skills and from T1 gymnastics skills to T2 self-concept. Although there were gender and age effects (girls and older participants had better gymnastics skills, boys had higher self-concepts), multiple group structural equation models indicated that support for the reciprocal effects model generalized over responses by boys and girls. In summary, self-concept and performance are both determinants and consequences of each other.     

Effect of Learner Strategies With Modular Versus Traditional Instruction on Motor Skill Learning and Retention

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of learner strategies on learning and remembering a series of juggling skills, using modular versus traditional modes of instruction. The 48 subjects (M age = 16.6 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (a) a group taught by a live instructor (traditional) using learner strategies; (b) a traditionally taught no-strategies group; (c) a self-instructed group that used strategies with a modular instructional approach; and (d) a control group exposed to a similar module without the use of strategies. Two juggling experts rated subjects on their ability to perform five juggling skills immediately following eight learning sessions (acquisition) and 7 days after the first test (retention). The use of ANOVA revealed that the groups which used modular instruction, as opposed to traditional instruction, and strategies in comparison to no strategies, performed significantly better when scores on the acquisition and retention tests were combined. Performance on the retention test was similar for all groups. The results provided partial support for the use of modular instruction and learner strategies in the learning and remembering of complex gross motor skills. However, contrary to expectations, the combination of these factors did not elicit performance superior to that elicited by the other conditions.