Abstract:
The main objective of the present investigation was to continue the research initiated by
Hay and colleagues (2004) in examining the efficacy of the Children's Self-Perceptions
of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) scale as a proxy for the
short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP-SF) in
screening for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in children. To better
appreciate DCD knowledge outside Canada, the measurements of this investigation were
expanded in Greece. A translated Greek CSAPP A scale and the BOTMP-SF were
administered for the first time in Greek children. A second objective was to investigate
the relationship between DCD and various risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD)
in Canadian and Greek children. A sample of 591 (Ms=322; Fs=269) Canadian and 392
(Ms=211; Fs=181) Greek children, aged 9 to 13 years, consented to the BOTMP-SF,
CSAPP A Scale, participation in physical activity questionnaire, Leger 20-meter
Multistage Shuttle Run test, and body fat using bioelectric impedance. Prevalence of
DCD in Canada and Greece was 8% and 19%, respectively. Significant agreement
(p<O.OOI) was confirmed when comparing the CSAPPA scale to the BOTMP-SF test in
both countries. Canadian children revealed significantly lower percent body fat, CSAPPA
scores, and participation in physical activity, as well as higher aerobic fitness levels and
BOTMP-SF compared to their Greek peers. Clumsiness was associated with increased
percent body fat and low aerobic fitness values. Physical activity was a significant
mediator in the clumsiness-aerobic fitness relationship. It is concluded that the CSAPPA
scale is an accurate, practical, and inexpensive screening tool for DCD, and that motoric
competence is associated with aerobic fitness through physical activity participation.
