Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency: A Viable Measure for 3- to 5-Yr.-Old Children

Abstract

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (1978) was examined as part of an effort to identify appropriate and feasible perceptual-motor measures for use with young “normal” children so that in future research developmental changes can be investigated. The test was administered to 24 children 3- to 5-yr. of age to assess its potential for discriminating among ages and between sexes. The investigators also sought to determine whether the short form accounted for a major portion of the variability of the complete battery. The short form and the eight subtests were significantly related to age, thus the Bruininks-Oseretsky can be regarded as an age-related measure through the 3- to 5-yr. age range. No significant sex differences were found on either the short form or on subtest scores. The short form accounted for 96.3% of the variability of the complete battery, so the short form can be substituted for the complete battery whenever appropriate. Evidence supports use of the Bruininks-Oseretsky as a viable measure of motor proficiency in children 3- to 5-yr. of age.