RESUMO
This study examined differences of physical activity levels and social interactions among preschoolers with/without disabilities and those at risk for a developmental delay (DD). Sixty preschoolers (20 in each group) were film during their designated large gross motor time. Their physical activity levels and social interaction were examined using the physical activity level screening. Regarding physical activity levels, the result of a two-way analysis of variance indicated significant main effects for groups, F(2,54)=4.192, P=0.02; preschoolers at risk for a DD were more active than preschoolers without disabilities, P=0.02. For social interaction, a significant main effect for groups, F(2,54)=8.994, P<0.001 was found; Preschoolers at risk for a DD were more interactive than preschoolers with/without disabilities, P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively. There were no significant gender differences across three groups on physical activity levels and social interactions. Although preschoolers at risk for a DD was more active and interactive than the other groups, preschoolers across three groups engaged in light physical activity levels, and had limited social interactions with peers.
RESUMO
Psychometric properties of the physical activity level screening (PALS) for preschoolers with a developmental delay and/or a disability were examined in this study. The mean age of participants (16 boys and 14 girls) was 54.9 months (standard deviation, 10.4). Each participant wore one Actical accelerometer and was filmed for 20 min during the active play time. Intrarater and interrater reliability, and validity of the PALS data were examined. The proportion of agreement for intrarater was 87.5% and 85.6% for interrater reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.99 for intrarater and 0.96 for interrater. The PALS data showed moderate correlation with Actical data (r=0.67, P<0.01).
