The Test–Retest Repeatability of a Rhythm Coordination Test Procedure in 4- to 6-Year-Old Children: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Moving to music combines the ability of rhythm and coordination. In relation to the musical and motor development of children, sensorimotor synchronization requires the ability to perceive and perform a steady beat. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the test–retest repeatability of a rhythm coordination test procedure in order to pilot the procedure for children. Test–retest repeatability reflects the variation in measurements taken by the rhythm coordination test on the same participant under the same conditions. Ten children (mean age 5.5 years, standard deviation (SD) 0.6) participated in the tests. The test performance was evaluated in points from 0 to 8, separately at a slow and fast pace, resulting in 16 points altogether. Test sessions were performed twice for each child within a four-day interval. Children reached, on average, 7.8 (SD 3.5) points in the first and 8.1 (SD 3.6) points out of 16 in the second test session. The test–retest mean intra class correlation was 0.96, indicating a high repeatability of the rhythm coordination test for children. Further, the children older than 5.5 years achieved a higher number of points than the younger ones, and they seemed to reach almost the same level as adults. The rhythm coordination test procedure for children provides a promising means of assessing children’s sensorimotor synchronization in the context of movement and music.