Motor Abilities and Coping in Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted in order to identify differences in motor abilities and coping in children with and without developmental coordination disorder. The study also discusses the relationship between coping and motor abilities. Method: A cross-sectional design with two independent groups was chosen to identify the differences. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children — second edition (Henderson et al 2007) was used to assess motor skills. Coping was evaluated with the Coping Inventory observation form (Adaptive Behaviour Index) (Zeitlin 1985). Results: Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed significant differences between the motor abilities and coping efforts of children with and without developmental coordination disorder. Calculations using Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between coping and motor competences. In the overall model, boys and children with lower coping efforts were found more likely to be participants in the group with development coordination disorder. Conclusion: Children with coordination problems differ from typically developing children in their motor and coping abilities when rated by their parents. This highlights the importance of paying attention to the coping strategies and resources of children with developmental coordination disorder during therapy.