Body coordination test for children (KTK): Applications and normative studies

Abstract

The aims of the present review were: i) to demonstrate the use of the Body Coordination Test for Children (Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder - KTK) in diverse populations of children, ii) to describe studies that developed reference values for KTK, and iii) to ascertain the existence of reference values of KTK for Brazilian children’s motor coordination. The selection of publications was performed between April and June (2010) and the Pubmed, Lilacs and www.google.com/scholar databases were employed. The results indicated that the KTK is an evaluation instrument for motor coordinative performance appropriate to be applied in different childish populations, such as Down syndrome bearers. Most studies that constructed reference values for their childish population showed lower mean values than those established from the group of German children from whom originated the reference data of KTK. This fact demonstrates the importance of the construction of normative data in different countries in view of diverse biological, social, economical and cultural characteristics to be considered. Finally, it was observed the absence of reference data of KTK for Brazilian children, however, it is undeniable the importance of applying the test to evaluate the global motor coordination of these children.