Reliability and Responsiveness of the Observable Movement Quality Scale for Children with Mild to Moderate Motor Impairments

Abstract

Aim: The Observable Movement Quality (OMQ) scale measures generic movement quality and is used alongside standardized ageadequate motor performance tests. The scale consists of 15 items, each focusing on a different aspect; together, the entire construct of movement quality is assessed. This study aimed to determine interrater and intrarater reliability, and responsiveness of the OMQ scale. Methods: A prospective intervention study with pre-post design in pediatric physical therapy practices. For interrater reliability, 3 physical therapists observed video-recorded motor assessments of 30 children with mild to moderate motor impairments-aged 4 to 12 years-using the OMQ scale. One therapist scored baseline assessment a second time for intrarater reliability, and to calculate smallest detectable change (SDC). Responsiveness (n ¼ 28) was tested by comparing outcomes before and after intervention. Results: Interrater reliability was moderate to good (ICC 2,1 : 0.79); intrarater reliability was high (ICC 2,1 : 0.97). Responsiveness results revealed an SDC of 2.4 and a minimal important change of 2.5; indicating sufficient validity in differentiating groups of children showing improved versus unchanged movement quality. Conclusion: The OMQ scale is reliable and responsive to change when used to assess movement quality in clinical practice for children with mild to moderate motor impairments, aged 4-12 year.

The Observable Movement Quality scale for patients with low back pain (OMQ-LBP): validity and reliability in a primary care setting of physical therapy

“…While intra- and interrater reliability for measured duration scores were excellent intra-rater reliability for the OMQ-LBP total score was better than interrater reliability, which was also found in studies focusing on the Observable Movement Quality scale (OMQ) that measures movement quality in children with mild to moderate motor impairments [ 70 ]. The determined moderate interrater reliability for the OMQ-LBP total score is in line with reliability values of common active movement tests e.g., waiters bow [ 71 ].…”

Validity and Reliability of the New Basic Functional Assessment Protocol (BFA)

“…If this is associated with the following Ardern et al statement, “the current rate of injured athletes are caused by functional shortage such as motor control and neuromuscular stability” [ 12 ], the use of tests that assess the quality of movement makes sense [ 13 ], especially to obtain results that help in diagnosis, evaluation and risk of injury and training control [ 14 , 15 ]. In addition to recognizing motor problems, this assessment evaluates interventions and predicts the recovery of people who have suffered an injury [ 16 , 17 ].…”