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Proposing 6 Dimensions Within the Construct of Movement in the Movement Continuum Theory

DD Allen, PT, PhD, is Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, Calif, and Post-Doctoral Fellow, Health and Disability Research Institute, Boston University, Boston, Mass.

Address all correspondence to Dr Allen at: allendianed{at}gmail.com

Background and Purpose: The Movement Continuum Theory (MCT) provides a potential basis for movement assessment and intervention, but "movement" lacks specificity. The purposes of this study were to propose and evaluate a subdivision of movement into multiple dimensions.

Subjects: A convenience sample of 318 adults completed a 24-item self-report measure of movement ability.

Methods: A multimethod approach was used to identify, operationalize, and test a multidimensional model of movement. Data analysis included a comparison of the fit of unidimensional and multidimensional models using item response theory methods and inspection of response patterns.

Results: A model specifying 6 dimensions—flexibility, strength, accuracy, speed, adaptability, and endurance—fit respondent data significantly better than the unidimensional model, even with high pair-wise correlations between dimensions. Response patterns showed large differences rather than uniform scores across dimensions for over half of the respondents.

Discussion and Conclusion: Subdividing movement into the proposed dimensions fits the data and potentially strengthens the usefulness of the MCT as a theoretical foundation for managing movement effectively.