The new version of the pictorial scale of perceived movement skill competence in spanish children: evidence of validity and reliability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to i) examine reliability and construct validity of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) aligned to the third version of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) in a sample of Spanish children; and to ii) analyse the validity of the PMSC and children's perceived motor competence (MC) according to gender. A convenience sample of 361 children (55.7% boys) between 4 and 11 years-old participated. The pictorial scale of PMSC (19 items) was administered (a random subsample repeated the PMSC twice). Test-retest reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients and construct validity using a Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling approach were conducted in each subscale and the total PMSC. High to excellent reliability was found. The two-factor model with non-informative cross-loadings and informative cross-loadings were both adequate fitting models. Boys reported a higher perception in ball skills, locomotion and the total PMSC than girls (p < .05). These findings provide evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the two-factor PMSC aligned with the TGMD-3 in locomotion and ball skills. The Spanish version of the pictorial scale of PMSC would be useful for assessing perceived MC in Spanish children, something in particular interest for Physical Education teachers.