PHYSICAL SELF-CONCEPT DOES MATTER TO CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER IN DEVELOPING FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS.

Introduction: Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have been found to experience poor fundamental movement skills (FMS), proficiency and physical self-concept. However, the correlation of FMS proficiency with physical self-concept in children with DCD is still unclear. Aims: To examine differences in FMS proficiency, physical self-concept and physical activity (PA) in children with and without DCD, and to determine the association of FMS proficiency with physical self-concept after controlling for age, gender, BMI, and PA. Method: Participants included 43 children with DCD and 87 age-matched typically developing (TD) children. FMS proficiency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd ed. Physical self-concept and PA were assessed using self-report questionnaires. A two-way (group by gender) ANCOVA was used to determine whether between-group differences existed in FMS proficiency, physical self-concept and PA after controlling for age and BMI. Partial correlations and hierarchical multiple regression models were used to examine the relationship between FMS proficiency and physical self-concept after controlling for confounding factors. Results: Compared to their TD peers, children with DCD displayed less proficiency in various components of FMS and viewed themselves as being less competent in coordination, sporting ability and health. Girls with DCD were less physically active than boys with DCD and TD children. Coordination was a significant predictor of ability in object control skills. DCD status and gender were significant predictors of FMS proficiency. Discussion and Conclusions: Future FMS interventions should target children with DCD, especially girls, and should emphasize improving object control skills proficiency and coordination. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR