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Physical activity in young children at risk for developmental coordination disorder
Author(s) -
KingDowling Sara,
Kwan Matthew Y W,
Rodriguez Christine,
Missiuna Cheryl,
Timmons Brian W,
Cairney John
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.14237
Subject(s) - physical activity , movement assessment , typically developing , psychology , motor skill , motor coordination , psychological intervention , motor activity , developmental psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , physical therapy , psychiatry , autism
Aim To examine cross‐sectional differences in patterns of daily physical activity accumulation between preschool children at risk for developmental coordination disorder ( DCD ) compared to typically developing children. Method In total, 514 children (292 males, 222 females; 4–5y) were recruited as part of the Coordination and Activity Tracking in CHildren ( CATCH ) study. Motor competence was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition; children scoring ≤5th centile comprised the probable DCD group ( pDCD , n =87), between the 6th and 16th centile were considered to be at risk for DCD ( rDCD , n =149), and >16th centile were considered typically developing ( n =278). Seven‐day physical activity was measured using hip‐worn accelerometers. Average daily intensity of activity, frequency, and duration of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity ( MVPA ) bouts, and triaxial activity counts per minute were determined. Results No differences in daily activity in any intensity or axis of movement were found among the three groups. However, young children with pDCD accumulated their MVPA in slightly shorter bouts compared to typically developing children. Interpretation Young children at risk for DCD are not yet in an activity deficit. This may be because of the low motor skill demands of play in this age group. Early motor interventions may be able to promote continued physical activity participation in children with DCD . What this paper adds Preschool children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are not less active than their peers. Overall intensity and frequency of daily activity bouts are similar among motor groups. Children with probable DCD accumulate their activity in shorter bouts.