Test–Retest Reliability and Convergent Validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Third Edition with Australian 3–6-Year-Olds and Their Parents

Abstract

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) is one of the most-used motor-skill tests among children internationally. This study investigated the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of the MABC-3 Age Band One (AB1) Performance Test and the Parent/Teacher/Other Report Motor Checklist components in Australia. Twenty-four typically developing children aged 3–6 years (Mean = 4.33 years, SD = 1.12; 17 boys and seven girls) and their parent/guardian participated in the study. Raw score data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho correlation (rs). Results indicated good test–retest reliability of the MABC-3, with strong statistically significant correlations found in the AB1 Performance Test (rs=.563–.897, p < 0.05; number of days apart M = 32.65, SD = 15.40) and the Motor Checklist scores (rs=.663–.877, p < 0.05; number of days between test–retest sessions M = 36.17, SD = 18.38). The overall correlations between the MABC-3 AB1 Performance Test items and Parent/Teacher/Other Report Motor Checklist section scores were weakly to moderately significant (Manual Dexterity rs=-.107–.841; Aiming and Catching rs = −.015 to −.555; Balance rs = −.749–.035, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that the MABC-3 AB1 Performance Test and Parent/Teacher/Other Report Motor Checklist exhibit reasonable test–retest reliability for assessing children’s motor competence and parents’ perceptions of children’s motor performance in daily activities. In terms of convergent validity, moderate-level correlations were obtained between the MABC-3 AB1 Performance Test and the Parent/Teacher/Other Report Motor Checklist except for the Manual Dexterity subscale. Further investigation of the MABC-3’s psychometric properties is recommended.