A Two-level Model of Motor Performance Ability

For many years, motor performance ability (MPA) has been viewed as a multidimensional construct consisting of such specific components as endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. This report examines whether these assumed structures of MPA can be found empirically in children and adolescents. The Motoric-Module, conducted between 2003 and 2006 in Germany for the differentiated measurement of MPA from ages 6 to 17 (N = 2,840), made use of an eight-item performance test battery. This test battery was assumed to assess the five motor dimensions of endurance, strength, coordination under time pressure, coordination under precision demands and flexibility. A two-level model of MPA with these five motor dimensions as first order factors could be confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. The path coefficient (p < 0.001) describing the direct effect from MPA to strength was 0.97, followed by the effect from MPA to coordination under precision demands (a = 0.73). The coefficient relating from MPA to coordination under time pressure was less (a = 0.64) and the lowest loadings shown for MPA are demonstrated for endurance (a = 0.36) and flexibility (a = 0.23). The first order factors showed significant direct effects on each of the observed variables. Therefore, a differentiated diagnosis of MPA in children and adolescents is possible. This is important for health care.