Groundbreaking research in child health assessment has now led to the development of the first free, open-source motor performance test designed specifically for African children.

Breakthrough research by Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman, an extraordinary professor at the North-West University (NWU), and a team of international collaborators has now been published in Communication Medicine of Nature.com.

She says the PERFormance and FITness test battery (PERF-FIT) provides a culturally relevant, affordable and scientifically sound way to assess motor performance and motor skill-related fitness in children aged six to 12 years.

“Until now, health professionals across Africa relied on costly tests developed in a Western context. These tests lacked valid norms for African children and risked misclassification.”

A tool designed with and for Africa

Prof. Smits-Engelsman says the research, which was done without any research grants, was a labour of love. “PERF‑FIT was created using simple, accessible items such as cooldrink cans and tennis balls, reflecting children’s everyday movement experiences. In a large multi‑country study, researchers collected data from 2 604 children, producing age‑ and sex‑specific norms that confirm the reliability and validity of the tool across diverse African settings.”

According to her, healthcare professionals no longer have to rely on expensive and unsuitable tools developed elsewhere. “Our research shows what is possible when research is led from within the African context.”

Research that supports equity and education

Prof. Smits-Engelsman says the research project aligns with the United Nations’ principle of “leaving no one behind” and supports its sustainable development goals on health and education. To this end, free online training is available to help clinicians, teachers and healthcare professionals to use the tool effectively.

“By enabling early identification of children with delayed motor development and providing culturally appropriate norms, PERF‑FIT ensures African children are assessed fairly, accurately and meaningfully. It is a significant step forward for health and education across the continent,” she concludes.

Click here to read the full research paper on Nature.com,or more information contact Prof. Smits-Engelsman bouwiensmits@hotmail.com.

 Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman