The efficacy of two activity-based interventions in adolescents with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Emmanuel Bonney, Gillian Ferguson, Bouwien Smits-Engelsman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Adolescents with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) usually experience psychomotor difficulties that affect their participation in everyday tasks and sports. Without effective intervention, adolescents show persistent motor deficits through adulthood. It is therefore critical to develop interventions to address the specific needs of this population. Studies evaluating the impact of motor interventions among adolescents with DCD are limited. Aim The study evaluated the efficacy of two activity-based motor interventions in female adolescents with DCD. Methods and procedures Forty-three female participants (Mean ± SD: 14.3 ± 1.1 years) were identified as having DCD using the DSM-5 criteria. They were randomly assigned to either Task-oriented Functional Training (TFT) or Wii training. Both groups received 45 min training per week for 14 weeks. Outcome measures included isometric muscular strength, motor proficiency, functional performance and participation in activities of daily living (ADL). Outcomes and results At the conclusion of the intervention, the two groups had significant improvement in muscular strength, motor proficiency, running and agility, predilection for physical activity and generalized self-efficacy. However, there was no difference in outcomes for the two interventions. Conclusions and implications The findings highlight the potential benefits of activity-based motor interventions in reducing impairments, improving functional performance, and enhancing participation. These results support previous findings on the efficacy of task-oriented interventions and demonstrate the value of these approaches at all levels of functioning.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-236
Number of pages14
JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities
Volume71
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • ICF
  • Motor interventions
  • Task-oriented interventions
  • Virtual reality
  • adolescents

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