Training-Induced Neuroplasticity in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) impacts ones’ abilities to learn motor skills. Emerging evidence suggests that training or intervention can improve motor skills and induce brain changes. We present an overview of current knowledge and highlight the effects of Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention on brain structure in children with DCD. The frontal lobe, parietal lobe, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and the corpus callosum have been associated with motor learning difficulties in children with DCD. We found that white matter microstructure and/or volume in the right corona radiata, anterior thalamic radiation, and the corpus callosum improves following CO-OP intervention in children with DCD. Training-induced changes in brain structure and function can be seen following intervention in children with DCD. The common theme between these changes is the possibility of improved access to attentional resources to compensate for motor difficulties associated with DCD.