Start Date
16-6-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
16-6-2025 11:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction and Aim Children with visual impairments (VI) often experience delayed fundamental movement skills (FMS) development, potentially impacting physical activity participation and quality of life. Early intervention is crucial to fostering motor competence, confidence, and social inclusion which contributes to sustained healthy PA levels later in life. This study aimed to improve FMS of children with VI through a six-week intervention programme.
Method A quantitative research strategy using quasi-experimental design was used to collect the data. Children aged 5–9 years with VI (N = 30) were purposefully recruited from the local school for children with VI. The children participated in a structured six-week intervention focused on locomotor and object control skills. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3).
Results Significant differences (P< 0,05) were found for hop, catch and overhand throw with a tendency towards improvement shown for gallop (p=0,07) and underhand throw (p=0,07). Analysis revealed a small effect size in the total score, with small to medium effect sizes documented across 8 skills.
Conclusions This study highlights that a six-week FMS programme presented by professionals is sufficient to initiate skill development, however a longer duration is required for more significant changes. Children with VI have the potential to match and sustain healthy levels of PA and FMS of their sighted peers. However various barriers prevent them from participating impacting their development and ultimately quality of life. The results may support future large-scale interventions aimed at improving FMS but also physical levels and literacy in children with VI.
Recommended Citation
Vermaak, Candace and De Wet, Catherine, "Enhancing Movement: Fundamental Movement Skills in Foundation Phase Children with Visual Impairments in a South African Community" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 4.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day1/4
Enhancing Movement: Fundamental Movement Skills in Foundation Phase Children with Visual Impairments in a South African Community
Introduction and Aim Children with visual impairments (VI) often experience delayed fundamental movement skills (FMS) development, potentially impacting physical activity participation and quality of life. Early intervention is crucial to fostering motor competence, confidence, and social inclusion which contributes to sustained healthy PA levels later in life. This study aimed to improve FMS of children with VI through a six-week intervention programme.
Method A quantitative research strategy using quasi-experimental design was used to collect the data. Children aged 5–9 years with VI (N = 30) were purposefully recruited from the local school for children with VI. The children participated in a structured six-week intervention focused on locomotor and object control skills. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3).
Results Significant differences (P< 0,05) were found for hop, catch and overhand throw with a tendency towards improvement shown for gallop (p=0,07) and underhand throw (p=0,07). Analysis revealed a small effect size in the total score, with small to medium effect sizes documented across 8 skills.
Conclusions This study highlights that a six-week FMS programme presented by professionals is sufficient to initiate skill development, however a longer duration is required for more significant changes. Children with VI have the potential to match and sustain healthy levels of PA and FMS of their sighted peers. However various barriers prevent them from participating impacting their development and ultimately quality of life. The results may support future large-scale interventions aimed at improving FMS but also physical levels and literacy in children with VI.