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

Objective

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.

Study design

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

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.

AGFI, Adjusted goodness-of-fit index, BOTMP-SF, Short-form Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency, CFI, Comparative fit index, CSAPPA, Children's self-perceptions of adequacy in and predilection for physical activity, DCD, Developmental coordination disorder, df, Degrees of freedom, GFI, Goodness-of-fit index, NFI, Normed fit index (GFI), PA, Physical activity, PQ, Participation questionnaire, RMSEA, Root mean squared error of approximation, SEM, Structural equation modeling