Construct validity of the motor profile with preschool children with speech-language delays: component of the early screening profiles.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the Motor Profile (Bruiniks, Rynders, & Ilmer, 1990) is a reliable, objective, and valid assessment tool of gross and fine motor skills for children (N = 60) between the ages of 3 yr., 0 mo. to 5 yr., 11 mo., classified only as speech-language-delayed. Strong test-retest and inter-rater agreement were indicated. Higher cognitive processing, static and dynamic balance may have played a critical role in the children's performance of items that loaded on Factor 1, while eye-foot and eye-hand coordination may have influenced performance on those of Factor 2. The Motor Profile is a valid assessment instrument identifying the current motor development of this population.