Table 6. Strengths and weaknesses of the assessment tools for use in educational research for preschool children.
Motor assessment tool Strengths Weaknesses
MOT 4-6 Age appropriate for preschool children
Appropriate for use in an educational setting
Short and clear score sheet
Highly efficient (items tested / assessment time)
Score refers to general fundamental movement skill performance
Provides information on skill mastering: both beneath and above skill level
Older normative data
No recent revision of the test available
Little information on the test and test results available in international literature
Movement ABC Age appropriate for preschool children
International normative data is available
Quantitative and qualitative assessment
Highly suitable for impairment detection
Usable in educational setting
Large amount of studies on the psychometric qualities of the test
No information of skill mastery above skill level
Rather low efficiency ( unfavorable proportion of items tested versus assessment time),
Not specifically designed for young children
PDMS 2 Age appropriate for preschool children
Very detailed assessment instrument
Subtest composites can be assessed separately
Provides information on skill mastering: both beneath and above skill level
Inclusion of Qualitative aspects of movement behavior
Specifically designed to detect deficits / motor impairment
No short form available
Taking of the complete test is rather long for young children
Absence of normative data on European children
KTK Quick screening of stability skill
Still considered as very reliable and highly valued for its accuracy and standardization (Simons, 2004).
Older normative data
Less age appropriate for the assessment of preschool children One-sided information on movement skill development (balance)
TGMD-2 Age appropriate for preschool children
Inclusion of qualitative aspects of movement behavior Emphasis on object control movement skill development
Provides information on skill mastering: both beneath and above skill level
Does not evaluate fine nor stability movement skill development
For Europe the battery is not free from cultural differences
MMT Combination of quantitative and qualitative assessment items
Highly efficient (items tested / assessment time)
Provides information on skill mastering: both beneath and above skill level
Developed for a very small age range
Especially designed for the detection of ADHD
BOT-2 Age appropriate for preschool children
Very detailed assessment instrument
Subtest composites can be assessed separately
Short Form assessment for general movement skill development available
Provides information on skill mastering: both beneath and above skill level
Inclusion of qualitative aspects of movement behavior
Large amount of evidence on psychometric qualities of the test
Emphasis lies on detection of deficits
Absence of European normative data
Complicated to receive a test kit
Standardization of examination is rather difficultTaking of the complete test is rather long for young children
A large test room is needed for the running item
Confusing score sheet