Assessment of fundamental movement skills in Australian children: The validation of a fundamental motor skills quotient (FMSQ) / B Hands and F McIntyre

The development of proficient fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children is important
for physical, cognitive and social development, and to establish a foundation for an active lifestyle. Many
teachers, coaches and physical activity program deliverers use real time observation of individual skill
performances during physical activities to assess proficiency in young children. However, a valid method
to quantify these observations to provide an overall motor competence is not available. Design: A small
pilot validation study using the Bland Altman method to compare scores on the McCarron Assessment of
Neuromuscular Development (MAND) and a Fundamental Movement Skill Quotient (FMSQ) (M = 100,
SD = 15) derived from a composite score for the observed mastery of 4 skills. Methods: Motor
competence in 50 children aged between 7 and 8 years was determined using the MAND. These scores
were compared to a FMSQ derived from observation scores for the run, hop, overhand throw and jump.
Results: The correlation between the two scores was moderate (r = .35, p = .013) and the level of
agreement using the Bland Altman method was acceptable. Conclusions: The FMSQ is a valid measure
of motor competence when observing and teaching fundamental motor skills in young children.