Abstract
BackgroundPast studies have found that children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) engage in less physical activity than typically developing children. This “activity deficit” may result in children with DCD being less physically fit and more likely to be overweight or obese, potentially increasing later risk for poor cardiovascular health. Unfortunately, the majority of DCD research has been limited to cross-sectional designs, leading to questions about the complex relationship among motor ability, inactivity and health-related fitness. Of the few longitudinal studies on the topic, determining precedence amongst these factors is difficult because study cohorts typically focus on mid to late childhood. By this age, both decreased physical fitness and obesity are often established. The Coordination and Activity Tracking in CHildren (CATCH) study will examine the pathways connecting DCD, physical activity, physical fitness, and body composition from early to middle childhood.MethodsThe CATCH study is a prospective cohort study. We aim to recruit a cohort of 600 children aged 4 to 5 years (300 probable DCD [pDCD] and 300 controls) and test them once a year for 4 years. At Phase 1 of baseline testing, we assess motor skills, cognitive ability (IQ), basic anthropometry, flexibility and lower body muscle strength, while parents complete an interview and questionnaires regarding family demographics, their child’s physical activity, and behavioural characteristics. Children who move on to Phase 2 (longitudinal cohort) have their body fat percentage, foot structure, aerobic and anaerobic fitness assessed. An accelerometer to measure physical activity is then given to the child and interested family members. The family also receives an accelerometer logbook and 3-day food dairy. At years 2 to 4, children in the longitudinal cohort will have all baseline assessments repeated (excluding the IQ test), and complete an additional measure of perceived self-efficacy. Parents will complete an ADHD index twice within the follow-up period. To assess the association between DCD, fitness and adiposity, our primary analysis will involve longitudinal growth models with fixed effects.DiscussionThe CATCH study will provide a clearer understanding of pathways between DCD and health-related fitness necessary to determine the types of interventions children with DCD require.
Highlights
Past studies have found that children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) engage in less physical activity than typically developing children
Our studies have conclusively shown that many children identified with motor coordination problems in the general population are already unfit and overweight by the time they reach middle school
In order to fully understand these pathways, a longitudinal study beginning during a developmental period in which motor deficits are apparent but physical fitness has not yet deteriorated and obesity may not have yet developed, is required
Summary
Past studies have found that children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) engage in less physical activity than typically developing children This “activity deficit” may result in children with DCD being less physically fit and more likely to be overweight or obese, potentially increasing later risk for poor cardiovascular health. One hypothesis in the field is that because of this “activity deficit” [9], children with DCD become less physically fit than typically developing children and are more likely to be overweight or obese [10, 11] If true, this poses a serious problem for children with DCD, because they would be at a greatly increased risk for poor cardiovascular health and, in the long term, for early onset of chronic disease [12]. Testing the idea of an activity deficit has the potential to clarify what types of interventions might be most appropriate for these children
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