Motor performance among pre-school children in malaysia using movement assessment batery for children (MABC): introductory phase of movement and assessment program

Abstract

The preschool's curriculum in Malaysia is focusing more on the academic aspects rather than physical development. Thus, action should be taken to emphasis this in the curriculum. Current situation indicated that there is less implementation and no research has been documented regarding motor movement assessment among Malaysian preschool children using an international standardized test. Therefore, a preliminary study has been conducted to investigate the motor performance level among preschool children in Malaysia. 26 five years old children, boys (n=13) and girls (n=13) from KEMAS Kindergartens in Maran, Pahang were involved in this study. The children were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) consists of eight tasks of Manual Dexterity test, Ball Skills test and Static and Dynamic Balance test. There is no significant difference of motor performance between boys' and girls' in all tasks (Posting Coins, t = -1.293 p = 0.208, Threading Beads, t = -0.889 p = 0.383, Bicycle Trail, t = 0.783 p = 0.441, Catching Beanbag, t = 0.934 p = 0.360, Rolling Ball Into Goal, t = 0.289 p = 0.775, One Leg Balance, t = -1.408 p = 0.172, Jumping Over Cord, t = 1.000 p = 0.327, and Walking Heels Raised, t = -0.343 p = 0.735). Results showed that 24 subjects have achieved good score while 2 other subjects were in poor performance index. There should be more assessment on basic movement skill and motor performance among preschooler as a basis to support the importance of the children physical development and therefore to be included into the preschool's curriculum.