RESUMO
PURPOSE: Evaluate reliability, concurrent validity and utility of the Ignite Challenge motor skills measure for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). MATERIALS/METHODS: In this measurement study, children completed the Ignite Challenge twice, 1-3 weeks apart. A physiotherapist assessor (one of seven) conducted a child's test-retest assessments and scored administration ease and child engagement (/10 visual analogue scale). A second assessor rated baseline assessment videos. Validity data (parent-report PEDI-CAT) were collected at baseline. Reliability analysis employed ICCs (95% CI) and evaluated minimum detectable change (MDC80). Pearson's correlations (r) estimated validity. RESULTS: Forty-seven children with ASD (mean 9.34 years [SD = 2.35]; 10 girls; independent social communication) were tested at baseline; 45 were retested. Ignite Challenge baseline and retest mean scores were 69.0% (SD = 17.1) and 69.5% (SD = 16.6) respectively, with excellent inter-rater/test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96 [95% CI 0.92, 0.97] and ICC = 0.91 [95% CI 0.84, 0.95]) respectively, and MDC80 = 9.28. Administration ease and child engagement were 6.5/10 (SD = 2.4) and 6.7/10 (SD = 2.2). Ignite Challenge and PEDI-CAT Social/Mobility (n = 45) associations were r = 0.54 and 0.57. Minimal suggestions for measure revisions arose from child/assessor feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Ignite Challenge can reliably identify movement strengths and challenges of children with ASD. Use may permit more appropriate evaluation and goal setting within physical activity-based programs.
Ignite Challenge is a reliable and valid advanced motor skills measure for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 6 years and up.Ignite Challenge can be reliably scored in-person ("live") even with younger children and those requiring increased assessor attention to optimize engagement.Most children enjoyed playing the Ignite Challenge "mini games"this positive engagement ("getting into the game") helps support assessment of their best motor performance abilities.Ignite Challenge identifies motor-related challenges that impact a child's physical activity participation, and thus informs meaningful goal setting/intervention with children with ASD.