title: Effect of Group Setting on Gross Motor Performance in Children 3-5 Years Old with Motor Delays.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in gross motor performance of children 3-5 years of age with motor delays when assessed individually compared to assessment in a group setting among peers with typical development (TD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty children with motor delays and 42 children with TD were recruited from a preschool program. A within-subject repeated measures design was used; each child with delay was tested both in an individual setting and in a group setting with two to four peers with TD. Testing sessions were completed 4-8 days apart. Ten different motor skills from the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 were administered. Performance of each item was videotaped and scored by a blinded researcher.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall gross motor performance was significantly different (p < .05) between the two settings, with 14 of 20 children demonstrating better performance in the group setting. In particular, children performed better on locomotion items (p < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The higher scores for locomotion in the group setting may be due to the influence of competition, motivation, or modeling. Assessing a child in a group setting is recommended as part of the evaluation process.
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Deanne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fay
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Tawna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wagoner
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Danna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.affiliation: a A. T. Still University , Still Circle, Mesa , Arizona , USA.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Turnell
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009048:Motor Skills; D000067074:Peer Influence; D004856:Postural Balance; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: Environment; gross motor; group setting; motor assessment; motor skill; preschool