Parents’ Perceptions of Children’s Motor Competence: A Pre and Post Study Analysis

Moujnir Lewis

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: The College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: Counseling (M.A.)

Faculty Research Mentor: Alexandra Stribing

Abstract:

Moujnir Lewis, Edward Olsen, Kyoung Kim, Alexandra Stribing (Faculty Advisor)Children with disabilities are often disadvantaged when it comes to opportunities for physical activity programs, especially ones that are adapted to meet the needs of this population and inspire confidence in their motor skills. Research has shown that parent involvement and support of children with disabilities can boost their confidence and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to explore changes in parents' perceptions of their children’s motor competence from a pre-adapted physical education program to a post adapted physical education program.Parents of children with disabilities (N= 21, Medianage = 47.00 years, SD = 6.62 years, mother= 90.5%, father= 9.5%, white = 71.4%, black = 14.3%, other = 14.3%) participated in this exploratory study. Parents completed a 13-item questionnaire regarding their perceptions of their children's motor skills (e.g., run gallop, throw, catch, etc.).These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results of the study revealed a statistically significant increase in parental perceptions (Median = 7.5) from pre-parent perception (Median = 36.5) to post-parent perception (Median = 44), z = 3.30, p < .001. There was statistical significance in the following skills: Run (median increase = 1.00), z = 2.80, p = .005, Gallop (median increase = 1.50), z = 2.75, p = .006, Hop (median increase = .50), z = 2.52, p = .012, Two-hand strike (median increase =1.00), z = 1.98, p = 0.48, One Hand strike (median increase = 1.00), z = 2.97, p = 0.003, Dribble (median increase = 1.00), z = 1.999, p = 0.046, Catch (median increase = .50), z = 2.31, p = .021, and Kick (median increase = 0), z = 2.88, p = .004. No other skills (skip, jump, slide, overhand and underhand throw) demonstrated statistically significant changes.Our findings reveal that parents’ perceptions of their children’s motor competencies significantly increased after the completion of the seven-week adapted physical education program. Parents' perceptions of their children's motor competency showed significant improvement in skills like running, galloping, hopping, catching, striking, dribbling, and kicking. These findings suggest the importance of parental participation in their child’s physical activities while they are enrolled in an adapted physical education program.Keywords: Disability, Locomotor Skills, Ball Skills, Adapted Physical Education, Guardian/Caretaker