Associations between motor competence and physical activity levels of children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder: movement matters

Taylor, S. L., Downs, S. J., Rudd, J. R., McGrane, B., Melville, C. A. , Mcgarty, A. M. , Boddy, L. M. and Foweather, L. (2023) Associations between motor competence and physical activity levels of children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder: movement matters. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, (doi: 10.1177/17446295231203764) (PMID:37729890) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Motor competence is important for lifelong physical activity (PA). The current study aimed to examine associations between PA and motor competence. In total, 43 children aged 7–12 years with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder completed anthropometric measures, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2, and wore a wrist accelerometer to capture total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), average acceleration, and intensity gradient. No significant associations were found between PA outcomes and motor competence. Motor competence performance was commonly ‘below average’ or ‘average’. The weakest subtests were upper limb coordination and strength. The strongest subtest was running speed and agility. Total weekly MVPA was 336.1 ± 150.3 min, higher than UK recommendations of 120-180 per week for disabled children and young people. Larger scale studies are needed to better understand the relationship between PA and motor competence. Future research should also consider the influence of environmental factors on PA in this group.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund (TRUST/VC/AC/SG/5742-8882).
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mcgarty, Dr Arlene and Melville, Professor Craig
• Authors: Taylor, S. L., Downs, S. J., Rudd, J. R., McGrane, B., Melville, C. A., Mcgarty, A. M., Boddy, L. M., and Foweather, L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1744-6295
• ISSN (Online): 1744-6309
• Published Online: 20 September 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License