Motor proficiency

It has been shown that physical activity (PA) is related to motor proficiency in children. Nevertheless, relationships between PA and balance performance among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been rarely examined. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the relationships between PA and static and dynamic balance performance among children with ASD. The method used in this study was correlational. Eighty children with ASD (range age between 8 to 14 years old, average 11.51 years old) attended in special schools participated in this study. PA was measured using Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Static and dynamic balance tests were used to measure balance performance. Pearson correlation test and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Children with ASD had low amount of PA and balance performance. PA was significantly and directly associated with static and dynamic balance performance. In addition, PA has significantly and directly predicted both static and dynamic balance performance. PA plays a very important role in the motor proficiency in children with ASD. Hence, there is a need for targeted strategies and interventions to increase the level of PA in this population.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity with fine and gross motor skills in pre-school children with ADHD. The present study is a descriptive-correlational study. The participants were 58 children (20 girls) aged 4 to 6 years who were selected using a convenience sampling method. We utilized Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to measure physical activity. The short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency was used to measure the fine and gross motor. Independent t test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Children in this study had low levels of physical activity and motor proficiency. Boys had significantly higher physical activity and motor proficiency than girls (P<0.001). In addition, physical activity was directly and significantly associated with fine and gross motor skills (both P<0.001). These findings indicate that there is a need to increase the level of physical activity in pre-school children with ADHD, especially girls. Moreover, it is recommended that physical education teachers and sports coaches use programs in physical education lessons to facilitate motor skills in children.