Title
A reliable and valid protocol for assessing action observation and imitation abilities in children with
Developmental Coordination Disorder (Research)
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Action observation (AO) and imitation abilities are considered fundamental for learning and
consolidating motor skills, but are often impaired in children with DCD. We recently developed a
novel protocol for the assessment of AO and imitation abilities.
AIMS
(1) To confirm the psychometric properties of the protocol. (2) To compare AO and imitation abilities
in children with DCD and aged-matched typically developing (TD) children. (3) To correlate AO and
imitation abilities to motor performance.
METHOD
23 children with DCD (mean age 7,8y, SD 1,4) and 21 TD children (mean age 7,8y, SD 1) were
included. The imitation test includes 12 meaningful (MF) and 20 meaningless gestures (NMF). The
AO test consists of observation and execution of two assembly tasks. Items of both tests are rated
on a 4-point scale. For construct validity, the mABC-2 test was used.
RESULTS
For inter-rater reliability, excellent intraclass correlation coefficients were reported in all the tests
(ICC > 0.92). A significant difference between DCD and TD group was found for AO abilities (p=.03)
and for NMF and MF tests (p<0.0001). For construct validity, significant correlations were reported
between all tests and mABC-2 test (total score and manual dexterity domain, r between 0.32 and
0.60).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results support the psychometric properties of the protocol. AO and imitation abilities are
impaired in children with DCD and related to lower motor competence. The study encourages the use
of the protocol for clinical work and research.
Period of project
06 July 2022 - 09 July 2022