Perceived motor competence of children with visual impairments: A preliminary investigation

Abstract

Literature focusing on individuals with visual impairments has not evaluated the important role perceived motor competence (PMC) plays in promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The purposes of this study were to examine the association between visual impairment level and PMC scores for children ages 3–13, and the association between PMC and physical activity (PA) for children ages 8–13. Results demonstrated a positive association between level of visual impairment and PMC (r_s = .574, p = .025) and a negative, non-significant association between age and PMC (r_s = −.358, p = .190). For participants ages 8–13, PMC was positively associated with MVPA (r_s = .797, p = .010), while age was negatively associated with MVPA (r_s = −752, p = .019). The findings suggest that children with visual impairments tend to have low levels of PMC. For children ages 8–13, PMC relates with MVPA. As children age, a trend emerges that PMC and MVPA lowers.