Fundamental Movement Skill Development in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: An 8-Week Coach-Led and Parent-Supported Intervention

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Fundamental Movement Skill Development in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: An 8-Week Coach-Led and Parent-Supported Intervention
Language: English
Authors: Hayley Kavanagh (ORCID 0000-0002-8940-0443), Sarah Meegan, Nathan Gavigan, Valerie Carson (ORCID 0000-0002-3009-3282), Morgan Potter, Mika Manninen
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2026 39(2).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Children, Intellectual Disability, Intervention, Psychomotor Skills, Motor Development, Movement Education, Program Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Parent Participation, Parent Influence, Norm Referenced Tests, Performance Tests
Geographic Terms: Ireland
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Test of Gross Motor Development, Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency
DOI: 10.1111/jar.70228
ISSN: 1360-2322
1468-3148
Abstract: Background: Given the heightened risk of poor motor skill development in children with intellectual disabilities, fundamental movement skill (FMS) interventions have become a critical approach for improving their motor competence, aiming to bridge the proficiency gap and mitigate the negative health outcomes associated with motor skill deficits. Method: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week intervention designed to improve the FMS proficiency of children with intellectual disabilities (n = 82) across three conditions, with active involvement of both trained coaches (n = 3) and parents (n = 16). Participants were assessed using TGMD-3 and BOT-2. Parents completed bi-weekly check-ins to report on adherence. Results: Compared with the control group, children in the FMS+ Parents condition demonstrated significant improvements in object control skills, from pre to post-intervention. Conclusions: Parents play a crucial role in the FMS development of children with intellectual disabilities with improvements seen in just 8 weeks.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504235
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Background: Given the heightened risk of poor motor skill development in children with intellectual disabilities, fundamental movement skill (FMS) interventions have become a critical approach for improving their motor competence, aiming to bridge the proficiency gap and mitigate the negative health outcomes associated with motor skill deficits. Method: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week intervention designed to improve the FMS proficiency of children with intellectual disabilities (n = 82) across three conditions, with active involvement of both trained coaches (n = 3) and parents (n = 16). Participants were assessed using TGMD-3 and BOT-2. Parents completed bi-weekly check-ins to report on adherence. Results: Compared with the control group, children in the FMS+ Parents condition demonstrated significant improvements in object control skills, from pre to post-intervention. Conclusions: Parents play a crucial role in the FMS development of children with intellectual disabilities with improvements seen in just 8 weeks.
ISSN:1360-2322
1468-3148
DOI:10.1111/jar.70228