Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable
Published on: May 17, 2024
Is screening for motor skill deficits in Tyrolean preschool children warranted and feasible? A protocol for a
Barbara Scheiber1,2, Claudia Spiegl3, Jasmin Plattner3
1Department of Physiotherapy, University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria barbara.scheiber@fhg-tirol.ac.at.
Insights
This study validates a kindergarten mobility screening to detect developmental coordination disorder (DCD) early. Early DCD identification in children can improve motor development outcomes through timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skill acquisition in children.
- Early detection is crucial for intervention, but many cases go undiagnosed until school age.
- Current screening methods may not be suitable for early childhood settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability, feasibility, and validity of a mobility screening tool in Tyrolean kindergartens.
- To evaluate the potential of early DCD detection to improve motor development in affected children.
- To establish a representative sample of children aged 4-6 in Tyrol.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage cross-sectional study with 6-month follow-up.
- Playful mobility screening for all children, followed by individual assessments for those with conspicuous motor skills.
- Utilized MobiScreen 4-6 and Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2; obtained informed consent from all parties.
Main Results:
- The study aims to identify approximately 20-40 children with DCD from a sample of 650 children (3-6% incidence).
- Follow-up will include control groups and gather data on interventions (therapies, sports).
- Quantitative data will be descriptively analyzed; qualitative analysis of teacher feedback on implementation.
Conclusions:
- The validated screening tool can facilitate early identification of DCD in preschool settings.
- Early detection and intervention can significantly enhance motor development prospects for children with DCD.
- Findings will be disseminated through publications and conferences.
Introduction:
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show deviations in motor development and motor skills in early childhood where the learning and execution of coordinated motor skills are below the level expected for their age. Early detection of DCD is critical to provide an opportunity for intervention and support, yet many cases remain undetected until school age. The study described aims to determine the warranty, feasibility and validity of a mobility screening in Tyrolean kindergartens and evaluate its potential benefit to enhance the motor development prospects of affected children.
Methods And Analysis:
This research employs a two-stage cross-sectional approach with 6 months of follow-up assessments. The initial stage involves a playful mobility screening for all participating kindergarten children, followed by individual assessments for those displaying conspicuous motor skills. Motor skills will be evaluated using MobiScreen 4-6 and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Prior to the screening, informed consent is obtained from kindergarten bodies and authorities, parents and the children themselves. Parents are provided with information sheets and questionnaires to assess their attitudes and their child's eligibility. The study described aims to form a representative sample of kindergarten children, aged 4-6, in Tyrol. To target approximately 20-40 children with DCD for follow-up, the goal is to include 650 children, assuming an incidence of 3%-6%. For the follow-up, matching control groups will be formed and information about how identified motor deficits were addressed, including therapies or sports, will be gathered. Quantitative data will mainly be analysed descriptively, while feedback from kindergarten teachers regarding the practical implementation will be analysed using qualitative content analyses, according to Mayring.
Ethics And Dissemination:
The study has been approved by the Research Committee for Scientific Ethical Questions (RCSEQ 3369/24). Findings will be disseminated through contributions, peer-reviewed journals, and conferences.
More Related Videos
14:05Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
11:29Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020