The feasibility and concurrent validity of performing the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition via telerehabilitation technology.
The MABC-2 works just as well over Zoom—scores match in-person testing within error margins.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Nicola et al. (2018) asked: Can we give the MABC-2 over Zoom? They ran the same test twice—once in person, once on screen—with the same kids. They then compared the two sets of scores to see if they matched.
The study used a small group of children. No special diagnosis was required. A therapist scored fine and gross motor tasks live, then scored the same child again through a video link.
What they found
The remote and in-person scores landed within the test’s smallest detectable change. In plain words, the difference was small enough to ignore. Telehealth MABC-2 results were judged clinically usable.
The authors called the approach “feasible.” You can trust the numbers you get from a screen-based session.
How this fits with other research
Kantarcigil et al. (2016) found the same pattern with swallowing tests. They compared taped meals to live exams and saw excellent agreement. Both studies show that, when the rater is trained, video can replace the clinic room.
Schieltz et al. (2020) go further. Their review bundles many telerehab tools, including the MABC-2. They say remote assessment is ready for real-world use, matching Kristy’s positive numbers.
Jeong et al. (2026) flips the coin. They delivered LSVT-BIG treatment, not assessment, over Zoom and still saw gains. Taken together, the chain is clear: you can assess and treat motor skills without driving to the home.
Why it matters
If a family lives three hours away, you can still get a valid MABC-2. Save travel time, cut costs, and keep kids in a familiar space. All you need is a stable camera and a quiet room. Try it next time a rural referral comes in—run one subtest both ways to build your own confidence.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: In rural and remote communities children with motor difficulties have less access to rehabilitation services. Telerehabilitation technology is a potential method to overcome barriers restricting access to healthcare in these areas. Assessment is necessary to guide clinical reasoning; however it is unclear which paediatric assessments can be administered remotely. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition is commonly used by various health professionals to assess motor performance of children. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and concurrent validity of performing the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition remotely via telerehabilitation technology compared to the conventional in-person method. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Fifty-nine children enrolled in a state school (5-11 years old) volunteered to perform one in-person and one telerehabilitation mediated assessment. The order of the method of delivery and the therapist performing the assessment were randomized. After both assessments were complete, a participant satisfaction questionnaire was completed by each child. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The Bland-Altman limits of agreement for the total test standard score were -3.15 to 3.22 which is smaller than a pre-determined clinically acceptable margin based on the smallest detectable change. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study establishes the feasibility and concurrent validity of the administration of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition via telerehabilitation technology. Overall, participants perceived their experience with telerehabilitation positively.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2018 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2018.04.001