Convergent validity of the developmental coordination disorder checklist using soft neurological signs

AimsTo investigate the convergent validity of a new questionnaire, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Checklist (DCDC), we examined the relationship between the DCDC score and Soft Neurological Signs (SNS) which highly correlated with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC), which is widely applied to assess fine and gross motor skills.MethodsThe patients were 70 elementary school children without intellectual disabilities who were referred to our clinic, examined for SNS, and whose parents completed the DCDC. The DCDC consists of 16 items that focus on three factors: fine motor, gross motor, and catch and throw. We used a previously described method to assess SNS, which included five tasks: (1) standing on one leg with closed eyes, (2) finger opposition test, (3) diadochokinesis, (4) associated movements during diadochokinesis, and (5) motor persistence (laterally fixed gaze).ResultsDCDC scores and SNS were strongly and positively correlated, with higher DCDC scores (indicating greater coordination problems) associated with a higher number of positive SNS.ConclusionsDCDC scores have been proven to be strongly correlated with SNS, and these data suggest that DCDC has good convergent validity.     

Psychometric properties of the DCD-Q-07 in children ages to 4–6

It is important to identify Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) early in a child's life to allow for proper and timely intervention and support, and to reduce the negative secondary consequences associated with this condition. In this study we assessed the psychometric properties (construct validity, concurrent validity, reliability and test accuracy) of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCD-Q-07) in preschool children. A community-based sample of children ages 4–6 (n = 181) were screened for motor difficulties using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC-2). Use of the M-ABC-2 resulted in the identification of 29 children below the 15th percentile, which we classified as probable DCD. Parents of these children concurrently completed the DCD-Q-07 to report their child's motor performance. The DCD-Q-07 demonstrated high internal consistency for both the full scale (alpha = 0.881) and each subscale: control during movement (alpha = 0.813), fine motor and handwriting (alpha = 0.869) and general coordination (alpha = 0.728). Moderate correlations (r = 0.47–0.63) were also seen between the subscales on the DCD-Q-07, the strongest correlation being between control during movement and general coordination (r = 0.63). Based on published age and sex cut points, the DCD-Q-07 showed poor sensitivity (20.7%) but high specificity (92.1%) against the M-ABC-2. Overall agreement with the M-ABC-2 was low using ROC analysis (area under the curve = 0.654). Although it is important to screen for DCD in young children, the DCD-Q-07 may not be the best choice as a screening tool for DCD in preschool children ages 4–6 due to its low test accuracy.     

Prevalence of suspected developmental coordination disorder and associated factors in Spanish classrooms

BackgroundDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a multifactorial, neurodevelopmental motor disorder that severely affects the activities of a child’s daily life and classroom performance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of suspected DCD in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren and its association with socio-demographic factors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including a random sample of 460 children attending mainstream schools in northwest Spain in 2017. A Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-European Spanish was used to evaluate suspected DCD prevalence. We performed multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis to determine the socio-demographic variables associated with suspected DCD and problematic motor coordination performance.ResultsThe prevalence of suspected DCD was 12.2%. According to the multivariate analysis, DCD symptoms were significantly associated with males (OR = 3.0), ages above 10 years old (OR = 5.0) and low participation in out-of-school physical activities (OR = 2.3). Preterm birth children were twice as likely to show suspected DCD, although this association was not statistically significant (OR = 2.1).ConclusionsA high percentage of Spanish schoolchildren are at risk for developing DCD. There is a strong connection between suspected DCD and socio-demographic factors. Protocols aimed to detect DCD and intervention programmes in classrooms designed to promote motor coordination skills need to take these factors into consideration.     

Identification of emotional and behavioral problems by teachers in children with developmental coordination disorder in the school community

Current evidence on the co-occurrence of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and psychosocial problems mainly concerns parent-reported information, but rarely includes teacher information. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate the teachers’ identification of emotional and behavioral problems in children with DCD and (2) to examine the performance of the teacher version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-T) compared with the Teacher Report Form (TRF) in children with DCD. We assessed primary school children (202 boys, 200 girls, range 4–10.8 years, mean age 7.2 years) for DCD following the DSM IV-TR criteria. Emotional and behavioral problems were measured with the TRF (n = 327) and the SDQ-T (n = 361). DCD was established in 23 (5.7%) children, 16 boys and 7 girls (mean age 7.0 years). Children with DCD had a higher proportion of clinical scores on both the TRF Total Problem Scale (TRF TPS) and SDQ-T Total Difficulties Score (SDQ-T TDS). Children with DCD had increased odds on the TRF domains Thought (odds ratio, OR: 5.39), Externalizing (OR: 4.12) and Internalizing (OR: 4.42) problems, and on all SDQ-T-domains and Total Difficulties score (OR: 7.30). In the DCD group the SDQ-T TDS correlated strongly (Spearman's rho 0.80) with the TRF TPS and demonstrated a moderate agreement (Cohen's Kappa 0.53). In conclusion, teachers identified significantly more emotional and behavioral problems in children with DCD compared with their peers. The SDQ-T showed moderate agreement with the TRF in identifying emotional and behavioral problems in children with DCD.     

Gesture production in school vs. clinical samples of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and typically developing children

Dyspraxia, a difficulty in executing an operationalised act, has been associated with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). However, issues relating to the area such as comparisons across modalities, comparisons of school vs. clinical populations, and developmental delay vs. pathology have not been addressed in the same, comprehensive study. In the current study, therefore, familiar gesture production in DCD was addressed in a comprehensive manner to follow-up outstanding issues from previous studies: The production of familiar gestures and praxis imagery in a school (n = 26) vs. clinic sample (n = 19) of children with DCD was examined in relation to typically developing age matched (n = 24) all aged from 9 to 11 years, and two groups of younger children within the age ranges of 5-6 (n = 23) and 4-5 (n = 26) years. Overall, children with Developmental Coordination Disorder showed an impaired ability to produce familiar gestures compared to their typical peers, and this was dependant on the type of gesture and presentation modality. Differences were found between school and clinic samples of children with DCD, suggestive of the recruitment of different underlying mechanisms in the two samples. The results have a bearing on our understanding of the relationship of developmental dyspraxia to DCD, as well as of the issue of developmental delay vs. pathology.     

Evaluation of the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire as a screening tool for clumsiness of Japanese children

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by clumsiness and coordination difficulties. DCD interferes with academic performance and participation in physical activities and psychosocial functions, such as self-esteem, cognition, or emotion, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. DCD is a common pediatric condition and its prevalence is estimated to be 6% worldwide. Although English questionnaires are available, there is no questionnaire to identify DCD in Japan, and therefore, no information on its prevalence is available. Recently, we developed the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ-J). The purpose of this study was to describe the applicability of the DCDQ-J for use with a community-based population of children in Japan and to investigate the relationships between coordination and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendencies or intelligence. The DCDQ-J was completed by 6330 parents or guardians of children and adolescents. We employed the ADHD-rating scale and determined the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the children. Two-way analysis of variance showed that the scores linearly increased as the children's grades advanced in 2 subscales, namely, control during movement and fine motor. In contrast, non-linear changes were found in the scores of the general coordination subscale. The total scores of the DCDQ-J and ADHD-RS were significantly correlated, but no relationship between DCDQ-J scores and IQ was found. The DCDQ-J is expected to be a useful screening tool to identify and assess motor coordination difficulties of children in Japan and enable cross-cultural comparisons.     

Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ-Italian)

A valid tool that contributes to the diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is represented by the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ’07). Recently we developed the Italian version of DCDQ (DCDQ-Italian). The aim of this study was to further analyze the psychometric properties in a sample of Italian school children aged 5–12 years and to establish cut-off scores with respect to age groups. A total of 698 parents completed the DCDQ-Italian and 45 of them repeated it after 2 weeks for test–retest reliability. One hundred and seventeen children were tested using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Confirmatory factor analysis supported this version to be consistent with the original. Cronbach's alpha for the total score was 0.89 and test–retest reliability was 0.88. Two-ways ANOVA for total and single subscales showed a significant main effect for age group only and not for gender. Sensitivity and specificity for our community based sample were 59% and 65% respectively, considering the cut-off scores for the 15th percentile of M-ABC and increasing when age groups were taken into account (ROC curve = 0.62). The agreement with the original was good if 15th is considered. This is the first study on the psychometric property of DCDQ in a community sample of Italian children. The DCDQ-Italian could be used as a screening tool for motor coordination difficulties in Italian children. Slight differences in cut-offs should be considered when using this version.     

Health-related quality of life of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

BackgroundAlthough Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is primarily a motor disorder, it can also impact emotional and psychosocial functioning of children with this condition. Evidence suggests that children with DCD experience lower quality of life than their peers, but few studies have explicitly examined the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of these children.AimsTo: (1) describe HRQOL of children with DCD compared to typically-developing children; (2) compare HRQOL from the perspectives of children with DCD and their parents; and (3) explore predictors of HRQOL for children with DCD.MethodsData from the KidScreen-52 and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected from 50 children with DCD [Mean(SD) age: 9.8 (1.2) years] and their parents and compared to normative data.ResultsChildren with DCD and their parents report significantly lower HRQOL compared to published norms. Caregivers have a significantly lower perception of their child’s HRQOL than their child’s self-report in many domains. Parents of children with DCD report that their children experience significantly more emotional and behavioral disturbances compared to norms. Poor motor function and attentional difficulties predict HRQOL.Conclusion and implicationsDCD appears to contribute to lower perceived HRQOL. Findings inform therapeutic targets for children with DCD, beyond motor skill intervention.     

Prenatal smoking exposure,measured as maternal serum cotinine,and children’s motor developmental milestones and motor function: A follow-up study

BackgroundCohort studies have indicated an association between prenatal smoking exposure and children’s motor difficulties. However, results are inconsistent and exposure is most often self-reported. Studies indicate that measurement of serum cotinine can result in a more accurate status of smoking exposure in comparison with self-report.ObjectivesTo investigate whether prenatal smoking exposure, measured as maternal serum cotinine, is associated with maternal interview based assessment of motor development in infancy (age at crawling, standing-up and walking) and motor skills at young school age (assessed by the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ’07)).MethodIn 2002–2004, 1,253 pregnant women from Greenland and Ukraine were included in the INUENDO birth cohort. The participating women filled in questionnaires and 1,177 provided blood samples, which were analyzed for serum cotinine. Smokers were defined as women with a serum cotinine concentration >10 ng/ml. At follow-up when the offspring were 6–9 years of age 1,026 of the parents from the cohort participated. They completed an interview-based questionnaire including questions about age at motor milestones of their children. In addition, child motor development was assessed using the questionnaire “DCDQ’07”. Linear regression analyzes were performed and adjusted for covariates; age of the mother and child, parity, sex, maternal educational level, maternal pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption and duration of breastfeeding. Data were stratified by country.ResultsNo statistically significant difference in age at motor milestones was found comparing children of smokers with children of non-smokers. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in motor score (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire Score, DCDQ-score) among five to seven-year-old children. However, in Greenland children of smokers had a lower DCDQ-score than children of non-smokers at eight to nine years (−2.2 DCDQ points, 95% CI: −4.3;−0.1). Supplementary results for the same age group in Greenland showed that children of smokers had higher odds of being classified with motor difficulties in comparison with children of non-smokers (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1;3.3).ConclusionMaternal serum cotinine was not related to delayed motor development milestones or reduced motor function abilities in children up to 7 years of age. Reduced motor skills observed in 8–9 years old exposed children warrant further study.     

Physical fitness in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Measurement matters

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experience considerable difficulties coordinating and controlling their body movements during functional motor tasks. Thus, it is not surprising that children with DCD do not perform well on tests of physical fitness. The aim of this study was to determine whether deficits in motor coordination influence the ability of children with DCD to perform adequately on physical fitness tests. A case–control study design was used to compare the performance of children with DCD (n = 70, 36 boys, mean age = 8y 1mo) and Typically Developing (TD) children (n = 70, 35 boys, mean age = 7y 9mo) on measures of isometric strength (hand-held dynamometry), functional strength, i.e. explosive power and muscular endurance (Functional Strength Measurement), aerobic capacity (20 m Shuttle Run Test) and anaerobic muscle capacity, i.e. muscle power (Muscle Power Sprint Test). Results show that children with DCD were able to generate similar isometric forces compared to TD children in isometric break tests, but were significantly weaker in three-point grip strength. Performance on functional strength items requiring more isolated explosive movement of the upper extremities, showed no significant difference between groups while items requiring muscle endurance (repetitions in 30 s) and items requiring whole body explosive movement were all significantly different. Aerobic capacity was lower for children with DCD whereas anaerobic performance during the sprint test was not. Our findings suggest that poor physical fitness performance in children with DCD may be partly due to poor timing and coordination of repetitive movements.     

The efficacy of two task-orientated interventions for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Neuromotor Task Training and Nintendo Wii Fit training

Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) and Nintendo Wii Fit Training (Wii training) are both task-based interventions used to improve performance in children with motor coordination problems. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two interventions on the motor performance, isometric strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (aerobic and anaerobic capacity) of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) attending mainstream schools in a low-income setting. A pragmatic, quasi-experimental study design was utilized. Children between the ages of 6–10 years, who scored at or below the 16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and whose teacher reported a functional motor problem, were allocated to either NTT (n = 37) or Wii training (n = 19) groups depending on school of attendance. The MABC-2, a hand-held dynamometer, the Functional Strength Measure, the Muscle Power Sprint Test and the 20 m Shuttle Run Test were used to assess performance at baseline and after the intervention. The main findings show that the mean motor performance scores of both groups improved over the study period. However, significant differences in improvement were detected between groups, with the NTT group showing greater improvement in motor performance, functional strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. No improvements in isometric strength were seen in either group. The Wii training group showed significant improvement in anaerobic performance. This study provides evidence to support the use of both the Wii Training and NTT for children with DCD. However, in comparison to Wii training, the NTT approach yields superior results across measures of motor proficiency, cardiorespiratory fitness and functional strength. The decision to use either approach may be influenced by resources and time constraints.     

Influence of methylphenidate on motor performance and attention in children with developmental coordination disorder and attention deficit hyperactive disorder

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) often have coexisting developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The positive therapeutic effect of methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms is well documented, but its effects on motor coordination are less studied. We assessed the influence of methylphenidate on motor performance in children with comorbid DCD and ADHD. Participants were 30 children (24 boys) aged 5.10–12.7 years diagnosed with both DCD and ADHD. Conners’ Parent Rating Scale was used to reaffirm ADHD diagnosis and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire was used to diagnose DCD. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the online continuous performance test were administrated to all participants twice, with and without methylphenidate. The tests were administered on two separate days in a blind design. Motor performance and attention scores were significantly better with methylphenidate than without it (p < 0.001 for improvement in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and p < 0.006 for the online continuous performance test scores).The findings suggest that methylphenidate improves both attention and motor coordination in children with coexisting DCD and ADHD. More research is needed to disentangle the causality of the improvement effect and whether improvement in motor coordination is directly affected by methylphenidate or mediated by improvement in attention.     

Age-related validity and reliability of the Dutch Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ-NL)

BackgroundEarly recognition of children at risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is important, but variability in motor development in preschool children affects the validity of instruments to reliably detect children at risk of DCD.AimsTo investigate the age-related validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ-NL).Methods and proceduresTwo hundred and sixty 3- to 5-year old children were recruited in the Netherlands. Parents filled out the LDCDQ-NL and children were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 Test (MABC-2 Test). Internal consistency of the LDCDQ-NL was determined by Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was investigated using factor analysis. Concurrent validity was measured by calculating correlations between the LDCDQ-NL and MABC-2. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) were calculated to assess discriminant validity.Outcomes and resultsInternal consistency of the LDCDQ-NL was 0.91. Factor analysis resulted in three factors (Fine motor skills, Locomotor skills, Ball skills). Correlation between the LDCDQ-NL and MABC-2 Test increased with increasing age. With a sensitivity of 80%, specificity increased with age.Conclusions and implicationsThe LDCDQ-NL is a reliable and valid screening instrument for 4- and 5-year old Dutch children; concurrent and discriminant validity are low for 3-year olds.     

Developmental Coordination Disorder in children with specific language impairment: Co-morbidity and impact on quality of life

Co-morbidity of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and the impact of DCD on quality-of-life (QOL) was investigated in 65 5–8 year old children with SLI (43 boys, age 6.8 ± 0.8; 22 girls, age 6.6 ± 0.8). The prevalence of DCD was assessed using DSM-IV-TR criteria (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000) operationally defined in the clinical practice guideline (CPG): movement ABC scores below 15th percentile, scores on DCDQ and/or MOQ-T below 15th percentile, absence of medical condition according to paediatric-neurological exam. Quality of life (QOL) was measured with the TNO-AZL-Child-Quality-Of-Life (TACQOL) Questionnaire filled out by parents for the SLI group with and without DCD, and compared to a reference group (N = 572; age 6.9 ± 0.9). The TACQOL covers 7 QOL domains: physical, motor, cognitive and social functioning, autonomy, positive and negative moods. Prevalence of DCD in children with SLI was 32.3%. In children with SLI, mean QOL scores were significantly lower in the autonomy, cognitive, social and positive moods domains compared to the reference group. Children with SLI and DCD differed from children with SLI without DCD by significantly lower mean overall-, motor-, autonomy-, and cognitive domain-QOL scores. Clinicians should be aware that about one third of children with SLI can also be diagnosed with DCD. Assessment of QOL is warranted in order to assess which domains are affected in children with SLI with or without DCD.     

The influence of Chinese one-child family status on Developmental Coordination Disorder status

We conducted a population-based study on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in mainland China to explore the influence of one-child status in Chinese families on DCD. A total of 4001 children selected from 160 classes in 15 public nursery schools. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children assessed motor function. The prevalence of DCD in Chinese one-child families (8.7%) was higher than that in multi-child families (5.9%). Chinese one-child family status (compared with younger children in multi-child families) were negatively related with total score (−1.793), Manual dexterity (−0.228), Aiming and catching (−1.145), Balance (−0.433) of MABC-2 and DCD (OR = 2.294) when adjusted for the children's and family's characteristics, and perinatal factors (each p < 0.05). As one of the studies in this Chinese context, it provides a platform for future intervention programs in one-child families in preventing children's developmental disorders.     

Use of the Medical Research Council Framework to develop a complex intervention in pediatric occupational therapy: Assessing feasibility

The United Kingdom Medical Research Council recommends use of a conceptual framework for designing and testing complex therapeutic interventions. Partnering for Change (P4C) is an innovative school-based intervention for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) that was developed by an interdisciplinary team who were guided by this framework. The goals of P4C are to facilitate earlier identification, build capacity of educators and parents to manage DCD, and improve children's participation in school and at home. Eight occupational therapists worked in school settings during the 2009-2010 school year. Their mandate was to build capacity through collaboration and coaching with the school becoming the "client", rather than any individual student. Over 2600 students and 160 teachers in 11 elementary schools received service during the project. Results from questionnaires and individual interviews indicated that this model was highly successful in increasing knowledge and capacity. P4C intervention holds promise for transforming service delivery in schools.     

Comorbidity of motor and language impairments in preschool children of Taiwan

Comorbidity of motor and speech/language impairments was investigated in 363 preschool children between the ages of 5 and 6 years (boys: 205, age 6.04 ± 0.48 years; girls: 158, age 5.98 ± 0.53 years). The children were sampled from two municipals of Taiwan, and were determined to present no apparent neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary system impairment or mental insufficiency. They were administered with three speech/language tests and a motor test (Movement Assessment Battery for Children, or M-ABC). The results showed a significant correlation between the total score of the motor test and the total score of each of the speech and language tests. Regression analysis that controlled for IQ (C-TONI) further showed that manual dexterity, but not ball skills or balance, of M-ABC was predictive of all scores on the speech and language tests. To determine a deficit on a test, a score at or below the 10th percentile of the norm or a score at or below 1.25 SD from the group mean was established as the cutoff. For the speech/language impairment, a deficit on at least two out of the three tests also applied. Following these criteria, 22 children (6.1%) were identified to have Developmental Speech and Language Disorder (DSLD), and 45 (12.4%) to have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Comorbid DSLD and DCD were found in six children (1.65%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between DSLD and DCD (p < .03). The odds of DSLD was higher (by about three-fold) among the children with DCD than among the children without (0.15 vs. 0.05). Comorbid motor and speech/language impairments in preschool children appear to be a significant clinical condition that requires the attention of the therapeutic community. Manual dexterity, in particular, seems to be an important clue for understanding the shared mechanism of motor and speech/language impairments.     

Can balance trampoline training promote motor coordination and balance performance in children with developmental coordination disorder?

The present study aimed to examine movement difficulties among typically developing 8- to 9-year-old elementary students in Greece and to investigate the possible effects of a balance training program to those children assessed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The Body Coordination Test for Children (BCTC; Körperkoordinationstest fur Kinder, KTK, Kiphard & Schilling, 1974) was chosen for the purposes of this study and 20 children out of the total number of 200, exhibited motor difficulties indicating a probable DCD disorder. The 20 students diagnosed with DCD were equally separated into two groups where each individual of the experimental group was paired with an individual of the control group. The intervention group attended a 12-week balance training program while students of the second – control group followed the regular school schedule. All participants were tested prior to the start and after the end of the 12-week period by performing static balance control tasks while standing on an EPS pressure platform and structured observation of trampoline exercises while videotaping. The results indicated that after a 12-week balance training circuit including a trampoline station program, the intervention group improved both factors that were examined. In conclusion, balance training with the use of attractive equipment such as trampoline can be an effective intervention for improving functional outcomes and can be recommended as an alternative mode of physical activity.     

Performance on Functional Strength Measurement and Muscle Power Sprint Test confirm poor anaerobic capacity in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

BackgroundThere is little and conflicting information about anaerobic performance and functional strength in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).AimsTo investigate anaerobic capacity and functional strength in children with a clinical diagnosis of DCD (clin-DCD) and if differences were larger in older (age 7–10 years) compared to younger children (age 4–6 years). Furthermore to determine the percentage of children with clin-DCD that scored <15th percentile on the norm-referenced Functional Strength Measurement.MethodA clin-DCD group (36 boys, 11 girls, mean age: 7y 1mo, SD = 2y 1mo) and a typically developing group (TD) (57 boys, 53 girls, mean age: 7y 5mo, SD = 1y 10mo) were compared on Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST) and Functional Strength Measurement (FSM).ResultsChildren with clin-DCD performed poorer on the MPST and FSM, especially on the muscle endurance items of the FSM. The differences were larger in the older children compared to the younger on the cluster muscle endurance and the FSM total score. Over 50% of clin-DCD group scored <15th percentile on the FSM.InterpretationDifferences between children with clin-DCD and TD children are even more pronounced in the older children, especially when tested on items requiring fast repetitive movements.     

Impact of tactile function on upper limb motor function in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

This study investigated the presence of, and relationship between tactile dysfunction and upper limb motor function in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) compared to typical developing (TD) children. Participants were 36 children aged 6–12 years. Presence of DCD (n = 20) or TD (n = 16) was confirmed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition. All children participated in a comprehensive assessment of tactile registration (Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments); tactile spatial perception (Single Point Localisation (SPL) and two-point discrimination (2PD)); haptic perception (Stereognosis); speed of simple everyday manual tasks (Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF)); and handwriting speed and accuracy (Evaluation Tool of Children's Handwriting (ETCH)). Compared to TD children, children with DCD demonstrated poorer localisation of touch in the non-dominant hand (p = 0.04), slower speed of alphabet writing (p < 0.05) and less legible handwriting (p < 0.01), but no difference in speed of simple everyday manual tasks (JTTHF: p > 0.05). Regression analysis showed that spatial tactile perception (SPL) predicted handwriting legibility (ETCH: r = 0.11) and speed of functional tasks (JTTHF: r = 0.33). These results suggest that tactile function, specifically single point localisation, should be a primary tactile assessment employed to determine reasons for upper limb motor difficulties experienced by children with DCD.