Children with behavioral problems and motor problems have a worse neurological condition than children with behavioral problems only

Abstract

BackgroundSome evidence suggests that children with specific behavioral problems are at risk for motor problems. It is unclear whether neurological condition plays a role in the propensity of children with behavioral problems to develop motor problems. AimsTo examine the relation between behavioral problems, motor performance and neurological condition in school-aged children. Study designCross-sectional study. Subjects174 children (95 boys) receiving mainstream education and 106 children (82 boys) receiving special education aged 6 to 13years (mean 9y 7m, SD 1y 10m). Outcome measuresBehavior was assessed with questionnaires: the parental Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher's Report Form (TRF). Motor performance was assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). MABC-scores ≥5th percentile were considered as age-adequate and scores <5th percentile indicated definite motor problems. Neurological condition was assessed in terms of Minor Neurological Dysfunction (MND). ResultsThe majority of specific behavioral problems were associated with definite motor problems, except somatic complaints and rule breaking behavior. Children with externalizing problems, according to the CBCL or TRF, and motor problems had more often MND than children with externalizing problems only. The same holds true for internalizing problems according to the CBCL. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that various forms of behavioral problems were associated with motor problems. Especially children with motor and behavioral problems showed MND.