Abstract
This focused review is based on earlier studies which have shown that both children and adults diagnosed as having developmental coordination disorder (DCD), benefited from sensorimotor therapy according to the method Retraining for Balance (RB). Different approaches and assessments for children and adults in regard to DCD are scrutinized and discussed in comparison to RB which mainly includes (a) vestibular assessment and stimulation (b) assessment and integration of aberrant primary reflexes and (c) assessment and stimulation of auditory and visual perception. Earlier results indicate that the process of Sensorimotor therapy using RB techniques could be described according to a conceptual Kinesthetic-Vestibular Developmental Model (KVDM) whereby the training elicited temporary physical and psychological regressions followed by transformations i.e., positive physical and psychological development. We have also seen that this recurring pattern is similar for children and adults. In our conceptual model vestibular stimulation (perceptual priming) stimulates the nervous system, which might enhance object-related priming. This perceptual priming will also assist the suppression of persistent aberrant primary reflexes. In order to develop effective methods for assessment and intervention of DCD over the life span the importance of primary reflex inhibition and vestibular stimulation as well as a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches have to be considered.
Highlights
This Focused review aim at following-up our recent empirical study (Niklasson et al, 2015) and at filling a gap in the literature concerning assessments and interventions of developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
In a previous naturalistic study (Niklasson et al, 2009), comprised of 232 children and adolescents diagnosed with sensorimotor disorder, results showed that the integration of persisting primary reflexes together with vestibular stimulation according to the method Retraining for Balance (RB) enhanced sensorimotor development
We are well aware of the complexity of diagnosing developmental disorders (e.g., Dewey and Bottos, 2004; Flouris et al, 2005; Pennington, 2009; Zwicker et al, 2009) but when it comes to the visibility of sensory and motor difficulties and DCD one logic of RB has been that the lowest common denominator is the interaction between the vestibular system and primary reflexes (Niklasson et al, 2009, 2015)
Summary
This Focused review aim at following-up our recent empirical study (Niklasson et al, 2015) and at filling a gap in the literature concerning assessments and interventions of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). In a previous naturalistic study (Niklasson et al, 2009), comprised of 232 children and adolescents diagnosed with sensorimotor disorder, results showed that the integration of persisting primary reflexes together with vestibular stimulation according to the method Retraining for Balance (RB) enhanced sensorimotor development. We are well aware of the complexity of diagnosing developmental disorders (e.g., Dewey and Bottos, 2004; Flouris et al, 2005; Pennington, 2009; Zwicker et al, 2009) but when it comes to the visibility of sensory and motor difficulties and DCD one logic of RB has been that the lowest common denominator is the interaction between the vestibular system and primary reflexes (Niklasson et al, 2009, 2015). The test has subtests and uses cards, which measures eye coordination, simultaneous perception, and effective acuity during resting accommodation at different distances as well as stereovision
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
