MQ Scan: a quick test to measure motor skills in gym class
Children are exercising less and less, resulting in underdeveloped motor skills. Research shows that these children therefore do not have a fair chance of an active, healthy lifestyle. To get a better grip on children's motor skills, it is important to be able to measure them on a large scale. That is why the Healthy Lifestyle in a Stimulating Environment research group has developed a motor skills test together with the VU University Amsterdam: the MQ scan.
In recent years, much attention has been paid to the development of motor skills in children. Several studies show that children's motor skills have deteriorated in recent years. A worrying development. Children who have good motor skills are more likely to lead active lives later on. And that, in turn, reduces the risk of obesity and all kinds of diseases. The big question is: how do you achieve insight into the motor skills of children in a good way?
Testing within one hour
To answer this question, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and VU University Amsterdam collaborated for five years to create a scientifically based tool that can also be used in practice. In this research phase, we worked together with many PE teachers and community sport coaches. With their input, the tool was made practically applicable. The result is the MQ Scan. This scan consists of three skills courses (for lower, middle and upper years) in which motor skills are measured in a versatile way and expressed in a Motor Quotient (MQ). The test is so simple that any physical education teacher, group teacher or community sports coach can test a whole group of children within the span of a one-hour lesson.
Additional information
- Read more about the MQ scan online
- Read the article 'MQ Scan measures motor development of children’ on the website All About Sport
- Read the interview with Joris Hoeboer 'The MQ Scan; quick, reliable and validated insight into the motor development of children’ on the website of the National Task Force for Educational Research
- Read Joris Hoeboer's dissertation on the development and evaluation of the Athletic Skills Track (international name of the MQ Scan)
Contact
- Sanne de Vries (s.i.devries@hhs.nl)
- Pim Koolwijk (p.koolwijk@hhs.nl)
- Ester de Jonge (e.a.l.dejonge@hhs.nl)