Start Date
17-6-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
17-6-2025 10:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction Motor competence (MC) and health-related fitness (HRF) are positive predictors of physical activity (PA) in children (Britton et al., 2020; Lloyd et al., 2014). However, there is a scarcity of research on MC and HRF in children who are blind/vision impaired (BVI). Challenges in measurement exist, but are not insurmountable. BVI children must be included in data collection such as this, which is used to build an evidence base from which PA policies emanate, if they are to experience new opportunities to thrive and improve health and well-being through increased PA. This case-study reports baseline data for MC and HRF, describing assessment challenges and adaptations.
Methodology Participants (n = 59, mean age: 12.34±2.40 years) were assessed using a variety of field-based tests. Adaptations to existing protocols were made to cater for BVI individuals. Participants were recruited from Vision Sports Ireland events, one activity camp and one school.
Results
MC was low, with the lowest proportion achieving mastery/near-mastery for object-control skills, specifically throw (22%), strike (29%) and kick (31%). 38% of participants had poor cardiorespiratory endurance, 29% were overweight/obese. For MC, minor adaptations to equipment, environment, and instructions (e.g. bell/beep balls, lighting, least-to-most instructions) facilitated measurement. For HRF, the 3-minute step-test proved an appropriate and universally-designed cardiorespiratory endurance assessment for mixed-ability groups.
Conclusions Poor MC and HRF may contribute to low PA in BVI children. To progress PA interventions, in order to increase opportunities to thrive through improved health and well-being, expert recommendations should be made on adapting/selecting appropriate assessment methods for this population.
Recommended Citation
Britton, Úna Dr and Behan, Stephen, "A case-study on measurement of motor competence and health-related fitness in children with a vision impairment in Ireland." (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 1.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day2/1
A case-study on measurement of motor competence and health-related fitness in children with a vision impairment in Ireland.
Introduction Motor competence (MC) and health-related fitness (HRF) are positive predictors of physical activity (PA) in children (Britton et al., 2020; Lloyd et al., 2014). However, there is a scarcity of research on MC and HRF in children who are blind/vision impaired (BVI). Challenges in measurement exist, but are not insurmountable. BVI children must be included in data collection such as this, which is used to build an evidence base from which PA policies emanate, if they are to experience new opportunities to thrive and improve health and well-being through increased PA. This case-study reports baseline data for MC and HRF, describing assessment challenges and adaptations.
Methodology Participants (n = 59, mean age: 12.34±2.40 years) were assessed using a variety of field-based tests. Adaptations to existing protocols were made to cater for BVI individuals. Participants were recruited from Vision Sports Ireland events, one activity camp and one school.
Results
MC was low, with the lowest proportion achieving mastery/near-mastery for object-control skills, specifically throw (22%), strike (29%) and kick (31%). 38% of participants had poor cardiorespiratory endurance, 29% were overweight/obese. For MC, minor adaptations to equipment, environment, and instructions (e.g. bell/beep balls, lighting, least-to-most instructions) facilitated measurement. For HRF, the 3-minute step-test proved an appropriate and universally-designed cardiorespiratory endurance assessment for mixed-ability groups.
Conclusions Poor MC and HRF may contribute to low PA in BVI children. To progress PA interventions, in order to increase opportunities to thrive through improved health and well-being, expert recommendations should be made on adapting/selecting appropriate assessment methods for this population.