A comparison of motor abilities and perceived self-efficacy between children with hearing impairments and normal hearing children.

PURPOSE

The present study evaluates the differences in motor abilities and in self-efficacy between children with hearing impairments and children with normal hearing.

METHOD

Participants were 48 children, aged 5 - 9 years, including 22 with hearing impairments and 26 with normal hearing. Motor abilities were evaluated by the Children Activity Scales for Teachers (ChAS-T) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Self-efficacy was evaluated using the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (PEGS).

RESULTS

Children with hearing impairments showed significantly lower motor abilities, according to the ChAS-T and the MABC. No significant differences were found between the groups in regard to the self-efficacy level according to most evaluated scales. Results for the study group revealed a significant correlation between the ChAS-T and the static balance score of the MABC. In both groups, significant correlations were found between motor abilities and child's age.

CONCLUSIONS

While children with hearing impairments may show lower motor abilities, as expressed by the MABC and the ChAS-T, their self-efficacy is similar to that of their normal hearing peers.