Perceptual Motor Abilities and Physical Proficiency Abilities

Multilimb coordination (definition)

Ability to coordinate the movement of a number of limbs simultaneously

Multilimb coordination (examples)

cartwheel, gymnastics, dance, playing piano

Control precision (definition)

Ability to make highly controlled movement adjustments to visual stimuli, particularly when large muscle groups are involved

Control precision (example)

shooting a bow and arrow, hitting a baseball, swinging an axe

Response orientation (definition)

Ability to make quick choices among numerous alternative actions, often measured as choice reaction time

Response orientation (example)

Dodgeball, whack-a-mole, goalie in hockey

Reaction time (definition)

Ability to respond rapidly to a signal when it appears

Reaction time (example)

Start gun goes off in a race

Speed of arm movement (definition)

Ability to rapidly make a gross, discrete arm movement where accuracy is minimized

Speed of arm movement (example)

Throwing as hard/fast as you can

Rate control (definition)

Ability to produce continuous anticipatory movement adjustments in response to changes in the speed of a continuously moving target or object

Rate control (example)

Throwing a football to a teammate, “defense” in team sports

Manual dexterity (definition)

Ability to manipulate relatively large objects with the hands and arms

Manual dexterity (example)

Dribbling a basketball

Finger dexterity (definition)

Ability to manipulate small objects

Finger dexterity (example)

Writing, typing, guitar

Arm-hand steadiness (definition)

Ability to make precise arm and hand positioning movements where strength and speed are not required

Arm-hand steadiness (example)

Painting, surgery, waiter holding a tray

Wrist, finger speed (definition)

Ability to rapidly move the wrist and fingers with litttle or no accuracy demands

Wrist, finger speed (example)

Using maracas, shaking a protein drink to mix it, bongos

Aiming (definition)

Production of accurate hand movements to targets under speeded conditions

Aiming (example)

Fitts law lab, driving, playing piano or guitar, cup stacking

Explosive strength (definition)

Ability to expend a maximum of energy in one explosive act

Explosive strength (example)

Vertical jump, broad jump, 1 rep max

Static strength (definition)

Ability to exert force against a relatively heavy weight or some fairly immovable object

Static strength (example)

Wall sit, arm wrestling, moving furniture, sled push

Dynamic strength (definition)

Ability to repeatedly or continuously move or support the weight of the body

Dynamic strength (example)

Pull ups, push ups, pommel horse, monkey bars

Trunk strength (definition)

Dynamic strength that is particular to the trunk and abdominal muscles

Trunk strength (example)

Sit ups, ab wheel, pommel horse

Extent flexibility (definition)

Ability to extend or stretch the body as far as possible in various directions

Extent flexibility (example)

doing the splits, yoga, reaching the top shelf, rock climbing

Dynamic flexibility (definition)

Ability to make repeated, rapid movements requiring muscle flexibliity

Dynamic flexibility (example)

leaping, dancing, gymnastics, ballet

Gross body equilibrium (definition)

Ability to maintain total body balance in the absence of vision

Gross body equilibrium (example)

Divers stance, tightrope while blindfolded

Gross body coordination (definition)

Ability to perform a number of complex movements simultaneously

Gross body coordination (example)

Swimming, driving, dribbling ball while running

Stamina (definition)

ability to exert the entire body for a prolonged period of time

Stamina (example)

Running long distances, rowing