Developmental Coordination Disorder, Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity, and Participation in Organized and Free Play Activities

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 147; no. 4; pp. 515 - 520
• Main Authors: Cairney, John, Hay, John A., Faught, Brent E., Wade, Terrance J., Corna, Laurie, Flouris, Andreas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.10.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Attitude; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; General aspects; Humans; Intellectual deficiency; Male; Medical sciences; Models, Psychological; Motor Activity; Motor Skills Disorders - psychology; Play and Playthings - psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self Efficacy; Self-Assessment; NFI; PA; PQ; df; RMSEA; DCD; BOTMP-SF; CSAPPA; AGFI; CFI; SEM; GFI; Physical exercise; Play; Participation; Pediatrics; Coordination; Intellectual deficiency; Self efficacy; Developmental disorder; Mental retardation; Generalized; Biological activity
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.05.013

To test a theoretical model linking developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to reduced physical activity (PA) through the mediating influence of generalized self-efficacy regarding PA. This was a cross-sectional investigation of students in grades 4 through 8 from 5 elementary schools in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada (n = 590). Motor proficiency was evaluated using the short-form Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Generalized self-efficacy was assessed using the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scale, and PA levels were evaluated using a 61-item Participation Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the influence of generalized self-efficacy on the relationship between DCD and PA. In this sample, 7.5% (n = 44) of the children met the requirements for probable DCD. The effect of DCD on PA was mediated by generalized self-efficacy. In this model, 28% of the variance in children's PA was predicted by generalized self-efficacy and DCD. Our results suggest that children with DCD are less likely to be physically active and that generalized self-efficacy can account for a considerable proportion of this relationship. The implications for appropriate interventions to increase PA among children with DCD are discussed.