Revision and Re-standardization of the Movement Assessment Battery 2 for Children.

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC1) is a popular instrument
for children aged 4-12 years. It is designed to identify children with motor
problems (*clumsiness*) and to provide a profile of their difficulties.
The M-ABC is the most commonly used test for children in the Netherlands. This
test is now over 10 years old and there is an urgent need to revise it and
update the norms.
An expertpanel in England developed a new version of the M-ABC, the M-ABC2.
They used feedback and requests from professionals.
The test had been revised for the items and materials. The age range is
extended to 3-16 years. The age bands decreased from 4 to 3.
It has two components: the first is a *checklist*used by teachers to record
any difficulties that the child has in everyday movement activities (writing,
running, catching etc.) This is filled in after observing the child. The second
component is a set of motor tasks that are individually administered to the
child (including drawing, throwing and balancing). These are designed to be
easy for the age group being tested, so that only those with considerable
difficulties are identified.

The aim of this project is to collect new normative data for the Dutch
children, for both parts of the M-ABC2. The opportunity will also be taken to
extend the age range of the test down to 3 years and up to 16 years.
Also the reliability and the validity of the M-ABC2 needs to be examined.

A structured sample of 3-16 years old will be selected from nurseries and
schools across the Netherlands. The sample will be stratified according to age,
education, gender and geographic region, to represent the Dutch population of
children of this age.

The study design is a non-invasive, observational study.
There is only one measurement existing:
- Motor tasks of the M-ABC2
- Questionnaire of motor competence
- The M-ABC2 Checklist: parents or teacher
- Questionnaire for parents
- Questionnaire for the teacher

There are no anticipated risks to participants. All of the tasks are designed
to be easy and enjoyable for most children in the age groups being tested. It
is not apparent to the child whether or not they have passed or failed an item.
During the training of testers it will be emphasized that in the unlikely case
that a child becomes distressed, testing should be stopped immediately. If a
child experiences difficulty with the tests then the tester will ensure that
some easier items are added at the end so that the child leaves with a feeling
of having performed well. The project manager will keep in regular contact with
testers to ensure that these procedures are in place.