Motor skill competence and perceived motor competence: which best predicts physical activity among girls?

The main purpose of this study was to determine which correlate, perceived motor competence or motor skill competence, best predicts girls' physical activity behavior. A sample of 352 girls [mean age=8.7, SD=0.3 yr] participated in this study. To assess motor skill competence and perceived motor competence, each child completed the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and Physical Ability sub-scale of Marsh's Self-Description Questionnaire. Children's physical activity was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. Multiple linear regression model was used to determine whether perceived motor competence or motor skill competence best predicts moderate-to-vigorous self-report physical activity. Multiple regression analysis indicated that motor skill competence and perceived motor competence predicted 21% variance in physical activity [R[2]=0.21, F=48.9, P=0.001], and motor skill competence [R[2]=0.15, beta=0.33, P= 0.001] resulted in more variance than perceived motor competence [R[2]=0.06, beta =0.25, P=0.001] in physical activity. Results revealed motor skill competence had more influence in comparison with perceived motor competence on physical activity level. We suggest interventional programs based on motor skill competence and perceived motor competence should be administered or implemented to promote physical activity in young girls

Validity and reliability of clinical dementia rating scale among the elderly in Iran

The most common cause of dementia among the elderly is Alzheimer's disease. Given the increasing population of the elderly, achieving a screening tool with high reliability and validity is an essential need for all communities. The main objective of the project was to determine the Persian version of Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [P-CDR1]. Twenty subjects were randomly selected from among 150, 50-70 year old people, who were illiterate and not mentally retarded, residing in the nursing home; and they were given the Persian version of CDR scale [test]. After three months, the group was given the test again. The findings showed that from the specialists' standpoint CDR scale had acceptable validity, and the test validity was achieved 0.05 at the significant level with Cronbach's alpha and reliability coefficients 73% and 89%, respectively. CDR scale is a reliable instrument for evaluation of clinical dementia rating among the elderly in Iran. It can be used in screening dementia, Alzheimer, and diagnosis of the severity and stages of Alzheimer.