Motor Proficiency in Children Reporting Low Levels of Participation in Physical Activity

Abstract

This study examined the motor proficiency and physical activity levels of young children with low levels of perceived self-efficacy regarding their participation in physical activities. This group (n=48) was compared with 400 of their peers in Grades 4–8 attending the same schools and also with a group (n=44) who reported high levels of perceived self-efficacy. Although none of the students with poor self-efficacy had been identified by their schools as having a learning or behavioural disorder, these children were found to have characteristics which are typical of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These findings suggest that an instrument which asks children about their confidence when participating in physical leisure activities, and their enjoyment of those same activities may have potential as a possible screening tool for DCD.