Development and preliminary psychometric validation of the Hopscotch Motor Fitness Test (HMFT): a culturally grounded assessment of integrated motor competence in young adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.119116

Keywords:

Integrated motor competence, field-based assessment, motor performance, cultural adaptation, construct differentiation, agility

Abstract

Introduction: Field-based assessments often rely on isolated physical components and may not adequately reflect integrated movement performance in applied contexts, nor the continuous and adaptive nature of movement in applied settings.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and conduct a preliminary psychometric validation of the Hopscotch Motor Fitness Test (HMFT) as a culturally grounded assessment of Integrated Motor Competence (IMC) in young adults.

Methodology: A mixed-method research and development design was employed. Psychometric evaluation (n = 100) examined intra- and inter-rater reliability and criterion-related validity. Exploratory reference data (n = 500) and user satisfaction (n = 60) were also assessed.

Results: The HMFT demonstrated good reliability (ICC ≥ 0.83). A moderate association with agility was observed (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), while correlations with isolated motor components were consistently low (r < 0.40), supporting construct differentiation from single-domain motor measures. High satisfaction among participants (M = 4.56) and favorable feasibility ratings were reported.

Discussion: Findings suggest that the HMFT reflects integrated and sequential motor performance within a continuous task, capturing coordinated movement behavior beyond isolated physical capacities, supporting its construct distinctiveness.

Conclusions: The HMFT is a feasible and reliable field-based tool for assessing integrated motor competence, functioning as a preliminary, non-diagnostic assessment framework applicable to educational and community-based health contexts.

Author Biographies

  • Tachapon Tongterm, Division of Sports Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sisaket Rajabhat University; Si Sa Ket; Thailand.

    Tachapon Tongterm; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7874-4948; tachapon.t@sskru.ac.th; Division of Sports Science, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sisaket Rajabhat University; Si Sa Ket; Thailand.

  • Thamrong Boonprom, Division of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University; Phetchaburi; Thailand.

    Thamrong Boonprom; https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4994-1373;

    thamrong_3@hotmail.com; Division of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University; Phetchaburi; Thailand.

  • Jeeranan Kaewma, Department of Health Education, Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University; Thailand

    Jeeranan Kaewma; https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8734-347X; jeerananka@g.swu.ac.th;

    Department of Health Education, Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University; Thailand

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Published

01-06-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Tongterm, T., Boonprom, T., & Kaewma, J. (2026). Development and preliminary psychometric validation of the Hopscotch Motor Fitness Test (HMFT): a culturally grounded assessment of integrated motor competence in young adults. Retos, 79, 734-750. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v79.119116