Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a subjective appraisal of life conditions. Disabilities often decrease QOL for individuals, due to potential physical, cognitive, and social limitations. Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have delayed fundamental motor skills (FMS) and less physical activity compared to neurotypical peers resulting in lower QOL. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that FMS interventions improve QOL for children with IDD. Objectives/Hypothesis: In the current study we evaluated the impact of three FMS interventions over 18 months on QOL for 10 children (age range from 4 to 14, M=8.88, SD=2.93) with IDD. Methods: The FMS intervention took place over three separate 10 week sessions. Using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale 4.0 we measured physical, social, emotional, and school functioning QOL. Visual analysis was used to evaluate the group means of each subscale across six time points, revealing a trend toward improved QOL for all 4 QOL subscales. Results: Emotional and social function had the largest improvements. This study addresses the need for longitudinal research on how FMS interventions can enhance QOL for children with IDD. Conclusions: Community based programs focused on FMS can help improved QOL for children with IDD. This research helps to better understand how FMS interventions can improve several areas of life.

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Youth with visual impairments (VIs) often experience unique barriers to physical activity compared with their sighted peers. A psychometrically sound scale for assessing barriers to physical activity for youth with VI is needed to facilitate research. The purpose of this study was to confirm the ability of the previously identified three-factor structure of the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire for youth with Visual Impairments (PABQ-VI) to produce scores considered to be valid and reliable that perform equally well across age, VI severity, and gender. Our results supported the three-factor structure and that the PABQ-VI produces scores considered valid and reliable. Mean, variance, and correlation differences were found in personal, social, and environmental barriers for age and VI severity, but not gender. Researchers can use the PABQ-VI to test and evaluate ways to reduce barriers for this population.