Effect of a strength training program in young children with developmental coordination disorder

Abstract

Background and purpose A strength training program was associated with changes in muscle strength, motor function, and proprioceptive position sense in a young child with poor body awareness and a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder. Patients and methods This study included 80 children diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder. Their age ranged from 8 and 13 years. The children were divided randomly into two equal groups. The exercise group received a 3-month strength program that included upper limb, lower limb, and trunk and neck exercises as well as running three sessions per week The patients were evaluated and scored functionally, using the Behavior Rating Scale, and objectively, using a Biodex dynamometer, at different time intervals pretreatment and 3 months after the treatment program. Results The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the measured variables of both groups when comparing their pre-treatment and post-treatment mean values. A significant difference was found in favor of the study group (B) in comparison with group (A). Conclusion It can be concluded that a regular program of physical activities has a positive effect in improving the symptoms of developmental coordination disorder in children.