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 = 23) 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.