To determine the value of a traditional (easy to implement) group-based intervention program on both static and dynamic postural control in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
...Sway and stability indices were measured with the Clinical Test of Sensory Integration in Balance (CTSIB) and efficiency of goal-directed movement was measured during a Limits-of-Stability (LoS) task, before and after the intervention program. The intervention involved a total of 10 one-hour group sessions, administered once per week for 10 weeks.
Results indicated significant group increases in dynamic postural control (
.05). These results suggest it is possible to improve dynamic postural control in this population. This type of intervention does not require any expensive materials, it is feasible, and easy-to-implement to a group of children.
We conclude that this simple form of intervention involving fun group activities can significantly improve dynamic postural control in children with DCD.
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are particularly affected by handwriting disorders, which remain poorly understood and are not clearly defined. The aim of our study is to ...provide a better understanding of handwriting disorders, and specifically of dysgraphia in children with DCD.
Sixty-five children with DCD (5–15 years), enrolled according to DSM-5, were assessed with handwriting testing and standardized assessments of neuropsychological, neurovisual, MRI and neuropsychomotor functions, with special attention paid to muscular tone examination.
While handwriting disorders were strongly represented in our sample of children with DCD (89%), dysgraphia appeared uncommon (17%) and was closely related to several specific dysfunctions of laterality establishment; mild pyramidal tract dysfunction with distal phasic stretch reflex (PSR) in lower limbs; digital praxis slowness (both P<0.05).
In our sample, dysgraphia was closely related to minor neurological dysfunction (MND) suggesting a disturbance of motor control at the level of the corticospinal motor pathway. This highlights the uncommon character of dysgraphia in children with DCD for which diagnosis should be made through a particular attention to evaluation of MND with muscular tone examination. This consideration, both in the research setting and in clinical practice, appears necessary to avoid inaccurate clinical diagnosis and to optimize appropriate therapeutic management.
Purpose of the Review
It is well-documented that individuals with DCD experience mental health problems, in both psychosocial and psychiatric domains. In this review, we propose a series of diverse ...options to improve mental health among individuals with DCD.
Recent Findings
Despite recognition of mental health problems in DCD, relatively little work has been done to develop effective interventions. There is an urgent need for action in this matter. We present and discuss options based on a societal perspective (awareness and understanding), parental perspective (access to services and resources), and child perspective (participation).
Summary
In order to improve mental health, interventions must take into account multiple levels in a complex framework that includes community, family, and the individual. While more research on intervention effectiveness is necessary, researchers, practitioners, and community advocates can use existing initiatives as a starting point to address the urgent need for improving mental health in DCD.
This narrative review describes, in detail, the relationships between Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and most prevalent associated comorbidities in their complexity, heterogeneity and ...multifactoriality. The research has been conducted on the main scientific databases, excluding single case papers. Blurred borders between the different nosographic entities have been described and advances in this field have been highlighted. In this multifaceted framework a specific profiling for co-occurring DCD, ADHD and ASD signs and symptoms is proposed, confirming the need for a multidisciplinary approach to define new diagnostic paradigms in early childhood.
The purpose of this study was to compare whole factors of emotional and behavioral problems between children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and investigate the ...interrelationship between motor coordination skills and emotional and behavioral problems among the children. As a result of screening participants (288 children) based on DSM-5 standard, participants were classified as DCD and typically developing (TD) groups. A total of 60 children (mean age: 8.8 years ± 3.5 months; DCD group n = 30, TD group n = 30) were assessed using the Korean Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition for emotional and behavioral problems. Children with DCD showed significantly poor scores in internalizing problems (p = 0.009), inattention/hyperactivity (p = 0.004), and emotional symptoms index (p = 0.001) among the criteria of emotional problems and in personal adjustment (p = 0.000) among the criteria of behavioral problems. The MABC-2 composite percentile score of participants showed a significant correlation with internalizing problem behavior (r = -0.382, p = 0.003), inattention / hyperactivity disorder (r = -0.409, p = 0.001), emotional symptoms index (r = -0.483, p = 0.000), and personal adjustment (r = 0.474, p < 0.01). Our results validated that children with DCD have more emotional and behavioral difficulties than TD children. Our results revealed that the motor coordination skills have correlated with emotional and behavioral difficulties among children.
Dyspraxia is an enigma to many people, both professional and lay alike—what is it, how does it relate to developmental coordination disorder and associated conditions, how common is it, how is it ...recognised and diagnosed and how should it be managed? This article attempts to unravel this enigma by: dealing with the terminology of coordination difficulties from the “clumsy child syndrome” through “dyspraxia” to “developmental coordination disorder (DCD)”; briefly examining the debate as to whether dyspraxia or DCD should be regarded as a medical or social disorder; discussing the differential diagnosis of dyspraxia or DCD; considering the assessment of children with dyspraxia or DCD; reviewing the range of current treatment approaches in the UK.
Purpose of Review
Support for the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) Approach exists, but its specific evidence base for children and adults with developmental ...coordination disorder (DCD) is unclear. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to synthesize and critically assess the evidence regarding the use of the CO-OP approach with children and adults with DCD. A systematic review of four health-related databases was conducted to identify studies, published from 1998 to 2023, which reported on the effectiveness of the CO-OP approach or explored its components. Following data extraction and critical appraisal, the strength of the body of evidence for the outcomes extracted was assessed, and a meta-analysis of three of the studies was conducted.
Recent Findings
Thirty-one articles were selected. Findings consistently support CO-OP’s effectiveness with children having DCD, yielding positive outcomes for specific measures. However, characteristics of identified studies highlight the need for more rigorous research to bolster confidence in the evidence base.
Summary
This systematic review serves as a compelling call for an extended and diverse body of research aimed at deepening our understanding of the CO-OP approach. Exploration of its effectiveness across the lifespan, its adaptability, and its theoretical foundations is essential.
•Results demonstrate the efficacy of Animal Fun in improving one-leg balance for young children.•Animal Fun improved throwing skills for children with poorer motor proficiency.•Animal Fun improved ...the social and behavioural functioning in young children.
The Animal Fun program, a universal early intervention program that aims to promote the motor skills and social-emotional development of young children, has shown to improve overall motor proficiency and social and behavioural outcomes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the program’s impact on children’s aiming and catching, and balance skills.
A cluster randomised control trial was employed, with six intervention and six control (following normal curriculum) schools. A total sample of 511 children (257 boys and 254 girls), aged 4–6 years presented at pre-test. Children were tested across three time points, pre-test, post intervention (six months later) and follow-up (18 months after pre-test), using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 Aiming and Catching, and Balance tasks. The study also tested for potential moderators including pre-test motor proficiency, age, gender, and cognitive performance.
Participation in Animal Fun improved children’s one leg balance at post-test and follow-up compared to control children, regardless of pre-test motor proficiency, age, gender, or pre-test cognitive performance. Participation in Animal Fun also improved throwing skills for those children with poorer motor proficiency compared to the controls with poorer motor performance. Interestingly, it was found that the control group’s catching skills improved more than the intervention group at follow up.
The study provides some promising results regarding the efficacy of the Animal Fun program in improving one-leg balance for all children, and throwing skills for those children with poorer motor proficiency, while also suggesting potential confounding factors, such as maturational issues and other individual factors (e.g., a child’s participation in extracurricular activity).
This study aimed to explore the association between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) diagnosed after the age of three and both a standardized motor test—the Alberta Infant Motor Scale ...(AIMS)—and non-standardized observation of movement quality carried out before the age of three. Children at risk or with developmental concerns were studied retrospectively. Children were excluded in case of a diagnosis, excluding DCD, e.g., cerebral palsy, or IQ < 70. Of the 503 included children, 246 were diagnosed with (at-risk) DCD. Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed a significant association between DCD diagnosis after the age of three and male gender and with different aspects of poor movement quality in different age groups before the age three. Univariate analyses revealed an association between DCD diagnosis and the number of poor movement-quality descriptions at 0−6 months, 6−12 months, and 18 months−3 years but not with the AIMS scores. The MABC-2 scores after the age of three were significantly correlated with the number of poor movement-quality descriptions in age groups 0−6 months and 18 months−3 years and with the AIMS scores in age groups 6−12 months and 12−18 months. The results suggest that DCD can be associated with poor movement quality before the age of three.
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