Developmental Coordination Disorder Research Articles

Performance of the walking trail making test in older adults with white matter hyperintensities.

Several studies have reported that the walking trail making test (WTMT) completion time is significantly higher in patients with developmental coordination disorders and mild cognitive impairments. We hypothesized that WTMT performance would be altered in older adults with white matter hyperintensities (WMH). To explore the performance in the WTMT in older people with WMH. In this single-center, observational study, 25 elderly WMH patients admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020 served as the WMH group and 20 participants matched for age, gender, and educational level who were undergoing physical examination in our hospital during the same period served as the control group. The participants completed the WTMT-A and WTMT-B to obtain their gait parameters, including WTMT-A completion time, WTMT-B completion time, speed, step length, cadence, and stance phase percent. White matter lesions were scored according to the Fazekas scale. Multiple neuropsychological assessments were carried out to assess cognitive function. The relationships between WTMT performance and cognition and motion in elderly patients with WMH were analyzed by partial Pearson correlation analysis. Patients with WMH performed significantly worse on the choice reaction test (CRT) (0.51 ± 0.09 s vs 0.44 ± 0.06 s, P = 0.007), verbal fluency test (VFT, 14.2 ± 2.75 vs 16.65 ± 3.54, P = 0.012), and digit symbol substitution test (16.00 ± 2.75 vs 18.40 ± 3.27, P = 0.010) than participants in the control group. The WMH group also required significantly more time to complete the WTMT-A (93.00 ± 10.76 s vs 70.55 ± 11.28 s, P < 0.001) and WTMT-B (109.72 ± 12.26 s vs 82.85 ± 7.90 s, P < 0.001). WTMT-A completion time was positively correlated with CRT time (r = 0.460, P = 0.001), while WTMT-B completion time was negatively correlated with VFT (r = -0.391, P = 0.008). On the WTMT-A, only speed was found to statistically differ between the WMH and control groups (0.803 ± 0.096 vs 0.975 ± 0.050 m/s, P < 0.001), whereas on the WTMT-B, the WMH group exhibited a significantly lower speed (0.778 ± 0.111 vs 0.970 ± 0.053 m/s, P < 0.001) and cadence (82.600 ± 4.140 vs 85.500 ± 5.020 steps/m, P = 0.039), as well as a higher stance phase percentage (65.061 ± 1.813% vs 63.513 ± 2.465%, P = 0.019) relative to controls. Older adults with WMH showed obviously poorer WTMT performance. WTMT could be a potential indicator for cognitive and motor deficits in patients with WMH.

Motor difficulties from childhood to midlife: A 40-year cohort study

BackgroundThere are few studies of the persistence of childhood motor difficulties (MD) into adulthood. AimsTo investigate the association of childhood MD with motor skills and body mass index (BMI) in midlife. Methods and proceduresWe studied 324 adults aged 40 from a cohort born in 1971–1974. At age 9, they had undergone the Test of Motor Impairment, used to classify them into groups: childhood MD (cMD), borderline cMD (bcMD), or no cMD. At age 40, participants comprised 23 with cMD, 47 with bcMD, and 254 with no cMD. Participants completed motor tests of balance, manual dexterity, and visuomotor speed, followed by recording of their BMI. Outcomes and resultsAt age 40, the cMD group performed worse than the no-cMD group on all motor tests (p < .001–.008). The bcMD group had slower visuomotor speed than the no-cMD group (p = .025). The groups differed in BMI (p = .002). Having cMD was associated with obesity in midlife (p < .001). After adjusting for sex, childhood socioeconomic status, and BMI at age 9, both cMD and bcMD were associated with obesity in midlife (p = .015). Conclusions and implicationsChildhood MD are associated with poor motor skills, overweight, and obesity in midlife. This emphasises the importance of early intervention and follow-up when a child exhibits MD. What this paper addsThis prospective longitudinal study presents novel evidence that individuals with a history of comprehensively and objectively assessed childhood motor difficulties (MD) have worse motor skills and a higher risk of obesity in midlife than do those with no childhood MD. There is a growing literature on adults with developmental coordination disorder or a history of MD. There is, however, a scarcity of longitudinal studies of childhood MD that continue beyond early adulthood, into midlife. In a systematic search, we could identify only one longitudinal study of objectively measured childhood MD with a reassessment of motor skills in those same participants in adulthood, and no study with a reassessment after age 20. Furthermore, longitudinal studies of the association of comprehensively and objectively assessed childhood MD with BMI in midlife have been lacking.

A Systematic Review of the CO-OP Approach for Children and Adults With Developmental Coordination Disorder

A Systematic Review of the CO-OP Approach for Children and Adults With Developmental Coordination Disorder

How do babies roll? Identifying the coordinated movements of infant rolling through video compared to laboratory techniques.

Rolling is an important developmental milestone for infants where identifying the coordinated movement patterns could facilitate the early identification of motor development delays. Current methods for identifying coordinated movements of rolling are limited to a laboratory setting and not feasible for clinicians. To develop video-based methods in which six coordinated movements, previously defined through motion capture, can be identified through video alone. Forty-five videos of sixteen healthy infants achieving a roll were used to develop the video-based methodology and twenty-four videos had corresponding motion capture data used for validation. Four raters comprised of researchers and a clinician identified rolling coordination using the new video-based methods. A Fleiss' Kappa statistical test determined the inter- and intra-rater reliability of agreement for the new methodology and compared it to motion capture. The comparison of the motion capture and video-based methods resulted in substantial agreement. The video-based methods inter- and intra-rater reliability were substantial and almost perfect, respectively. We developed reliable methodology to accurately identify the coordinated movements of infant rolling using only 2D video. This methodology will allow researchers to reliably define coordinated movements of infants through video alone and may assist clinicians in identifying possible motor development delays and disorders.

The impact for DCD – USA study: The current state of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in the United States of America

BackgroundDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is among the most under-recognized and under-supported disorders worldwide. AimsTo present a preliminary national study that evaluated the unmet needs of children with DCD in the USA using the Impact for DCD survey. Methods and procedures232 parents of individuals aged 5–18 years provided responses from 36 items in five domains (diagnosis, activity/participation, education, therapy, and social/emotional health). Outcomes and resultsMost children (81.9%) had a formal diagnosis for movement difficulties, and 91.6% of parents reported that receiving a diagnosis was helpful, but most had not heard of the diagnosis before. The most common co-occurring diagnoses were childhood apraxia of speech and other speech-language disorders (24.6%), ADHD (23.1%), and anxiety (18.8%). Most parents reported that their children withdrew from or avoided movement-related activities (53%), and nearly all (94.8%) were concerned about the impact of motor difficulties on their children’s social and emotional health. Only 37% of parents reported feeling that their child received sufficient therapy. Conclusions and implicationsGenerally, parents reported feeling frustrated with others’ understanding and awareness of the condition and with therapy services. The results shown here provide timely data that can support efforts for increased awareness, improved diagnosis, and increased availability of services for DCD in the USA.

נופלים בין הכיסאות: תת-אבחון של DCD ביַלְדוּת והשלכותיו בקרב מבוגרים צעירים עם קשיים בקואורדינציה מוטורית

Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is prevalent among 6-8% of school-age children, and is defined by major motor-coordination difficulties that significantly and persistently hinder participation in daily activities and quality of life. Evidence suggests that early detection and intervention may improve children with DCDs' daily function and reduce their emotional difficulties. Clinical reports points to possible under diagnosis of DCD. However, the extent of this phenomenon is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe retrospectively the prevalence of receiving DCD diagnosis in a convenience sample of young adults with motor difficulties, as well as to explore their perspectives on receiving a diagnosis. Methods: This mix methods study, included 54 young adults (aged 21-35 years) who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition criteria for DCD were recruited for this study: Percentile &lt; 5 on standardized motor assessment, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd Edition, report of current and childhood functional-motor difficulties on the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire and lack of other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. Participants with health conditions other than DCD were excluded. Participants reported on the existence of childhood DCD/Dyspraxia diagnoses and on developmental supports they were received during their childhood. Ten participants were interviewed regarding their perspective on receiving a formal diagnosis. Results: Only three (5.56%) participants were diagnosed with DCD during their childhood. However, 39 (72.22%) received at list one kind of professional support: 22 (40.74%) occupational therapy, 10 (22.73%) physiotherapy, 15 (27.78%) speech therapy, 18 (33.33%) psychotherapy and 10 (22.73%) other complementary treatments. Interviews analysis revealed: (1) childhood included confusion and "otherness", in the absence of an explanation for motor challenges; (2) environmental lack of legitimacy and unawareness of DCD during childhood; and (3) validation and enhanced sense of coherence following a diagnosis. Conclusion: Although identified with difficulties and referred for professional support, adults with DCD were under diagnosed in childhood. As diagnosis can validate 'otherness' experience, under diagnosis can exacerbate stress associated with motor-functional difficulty. To prevent the consequences of future motor difficulties, DCD should be diagnosed in childhood, according to international recommendations.

Locomotor-cognitive dual-tasking in children with developmental coordination disorder.

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) demonstrate deficits in predictive motor control and aspects of cognitive control compared with their typically developing (TD) peers. Adjustment to dynamic environments depends on both aspects of control and the deficits for children with DCD may constrain their ability to perform daily actions that involve dual-tasking. Under the assumption that motor-cognitive integration is compromised in children with DCD, we examined proportional dual-task costs using a novel locomotor-cognitive dual-task paradigm that enlisted augmented reality. We expect proportional dual-task performance costs to be greater for children with DCD compared to their TD peers. Participants were 34 children aged 6-12 years (16 TD, 18 DCD) who walked along a straight 12 m path under single- and dual-task conditions, the cognitive task being visual discrimination under simple or complex stimulus conditions presented via augmented reality. Dual-task performance was measured in two ways: first, proportional dual-task costs (pDTC) were computed for cognitive and gait outcomes and, second, within-trial costs (p-WTC) were measured as the difference on gait outcomes between pre- and post-stimulus presentation. On measures of pDTC, TD children increased their double-limb support time when walking in response to a dual-task, while the children with DCD increased their locomotor velocity. On p-WTC, both groups increased their gait variability (step length and step width) when walking in response to a dual-task, of which the TD group had a larger proportional change than the DCD group. Greater pDTCs on motor rather than cognitive outcomes were consistent across groups and method of dual-task performance measurement. Contrary to predictions, our results failed to support dramatic differences in locomotor-cognitive dual-task performance between children with DCD and TD, with both groups tending to priorities the cognitive over the motor task. Inclusion of a within-trial calculation of dual-task interference revealed an expectancy effect for both groups in relation to an impending visual stimulus. It is recommended that dual-task paradigms in the future continue to use augmented reality to present the cognitive task and consider motor tasks of sufficient complexity to probe the limits of performance in children with DCD.

Diagnostic services for developmental coordination disorder: Gaps and opportunities identified by parents.

Affecting one in 20 children, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder impacting a child's ability to learn motor skills. Despite its high prevalence, DCD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed, causing unnecessary frustration and stress for families who are seeking help for their child. This study aimed to understand how parents procure diagnostic services and their perspectives on needed supports and services to improve early identification and diagnosis of DCD. Using a multi-pronged recruitment strategy, we circulated the impACT for DCD online questionnaire to parents of children (<18 years) in British Columbia with suspected or diagnosed DCD. Data were analysed descriptively using medians/interquartile ranges for continuous data and frequencies/percentages for categorical data. Open-ended questions were analysed using exploratory content analysis. A total of 237 respondent data were analysed. Parents identified poor awareness and understanding of health care professionals and educators regarding aetiology, symptomology, and impacts of DCD, affecting timely access to diagnostic services. Long waitlists were also a barrier that often led families with financial means to procure private diagnostic assessments. A standard of care is needed for streamlined diagnostic services, enabling early identification and early intervention. A publicly funded, family-centred, collaborative care approach is critical to assess, diagnose, and treat children with this disorder and to mitigate the secondary physical and mental health consequences associated with DCD.

The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the study was to synthesize previous evidence and clarify the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children by meta-analysis. A comprehensive computerized search of databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases, was conducted to identify relevant national and international articles published before 18 December 2023 on DCD prevalence in children. The meta-analysis of prevalence was conducted using Stata 18.0. A total of 18 papers involving 31,203 patients were included. The prevalence of children with DCD was found to be 5%. A subgroup analysis showed that prevalence was 7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4%-10%] and 4% (95% CI 3%-7%) for boys and girls, respectively; 4% (95% CI 2%-8%), 2% (95% CI 2%-2%), and 6% (95% CI 3%-10%) in Asia, Europe, and North America, respectively; and 18% (95% CI 8%-31%) and 6% (95% CI 4%-7%) for preterm (<37 weeks) and term infants (≥37 weeks), respectively. The prevalence of very low birth weight children (<1,250 g) with DCD was found to be 31%. In this study, we found that the prevalence of children with DCD in the general population was 5% and that preterm infants (<37 weeks) and very low birth weight infants (<1,250 g) have a higher prevalence of DCD and require early screening and regular follow-up. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, Identifier (CRD42024503320).

Test-Retest Reliability, Criterion-Related Validity, and Ecological Validity of the Test of Visual-Motor Skills, Third Edition, in Kindergarten Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder.

Establishing empirical evidence on the psychometric properties of the Test of Visual-Motor Skills (3rd ed.; TVMS-3) is helpful for guiding its use as an assessment of visual-motor integration (VMI) skills in kindergarten children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). To investigate the test-retest reliability, criterion-related validity, and ecological validity of the TVMS-3 in Taiwanese kindergarten children with DCD. A nonexperimental, descriptive, correlational design. A hospital in Central Taiwan. Fifty-seven kindergarten children with DCD were recruited in the study. Intraclass correlation coefficient, percentage of minimal detectable change, and paired t test (Wilcoxon signed rank test) were used to investigate the test-retest reliability of the TVMS-3. The correlations (Pearson's r) between the TVMS-3 accuracy score and the scores of each of the four domains and the adaptive behavior composite score of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (3rd ed.; Vineland-3) were calculated, respectively, to examine criterion-related validity and ecological validity. The accuracy score of the TVMS-3 had excellent test-retest reliability and acceptable random measurement error. Moreover, it showed good criterion-related validity and sufficient ecological validity with the Vineland-3 in Taiwanese kindergarten children with DCD. The accuracy score of the TVMS-3 is applicable to Taiwanese kindergarten children with DCD in clinical and research settings. Plain-Language Summary: The accuracy score of the Test of Visual-Motor Skills (3rd ed.; TVMS-3) is a useful assessment tool to detect deficits in visual-motor integration for Taiwanese kindergarten children with developmental coordination disorder. The TVMS-3 has excellent test-retest reliability, good criterion-related validity, and sufficient ecological validity.

Impacts of Developmental Coordination Disorder on Postural Control Mechanisms in Children and Early Adolescents

Several studies have demonstrated balance impairments in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). However, a recent meta-analysis reports that none of the existing studies investigated the entire construct of balance across the same postural task. It is unclear whether anticipatory postural adjustments before voluntary unperturbed leaning tasks are altered in DCD. Anticipatory postural adjustment’s impact on postural control and limits of stability as well as the contribution of proprioception in these mechanisms are also unknown. This study compared the center of pressure displacements of participants with DCD (n = 30) to typically developing participants (n = 20) (9–12 years old). Standing on an AMTI force plate, participants were asked to lean as far as possible forward, backward, rightward, and leftward in both natural and with eyes closed + foam conditions (eight separated trials). The statistical analysis revealed that the DCD group had larger anticipatory postural adjustments, maximal center of pressure excursion, and greater postural instabilities than the control group. The proprioceptive condition does not systematically influence postural performance in DCD. These deficits are, however, increased in mediolateral directions. These impairments could interfere with children’s performance during daily and physical activities and even negatively impact social inclusion.

Developmental coordination disorder - clinical features and treatment options

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually recognized after the age of five but may have lifelong motor, coordination, and cognition consequences. The criteria for setting a diagnosis refer to the presence of: performance of coordinated motor skills below that expected for chronological age, a deficit of motor skills that significantly and persistently interferes with activities of daily living, the onset of symptoms in an early developmental period, and a lack of motor skills that cannot be explained by intellectual disability or other neurological conditions that affect movement. This clinical picture is often comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and some other neurodevelopmental disorders. Prevailing DCD management includes task-oriented interventions as well as interventions focused on reducing impairment and improving physical function. The aim of the paper is to summarize typical DCD features related to diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology and comorbidities, as well as to present current management options.

A Review on the Finger-to-Nose Test for Assessing Coordination in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Introduction: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects around 5-6% of school-aged children and is characterised by impairments in motor coordination that significantly interfere with daily activities. Various assessment tools have been explored to evaluate coordination difficulties in children with DCD. This review focuses on the Finger-to-Nose Test (FNT), examining its utility in diagnosing and monitoring coordination impairments in this population. Aim: To provide a comprehensive analysis and purposeful evaluation of the FNT in this specific population. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published from inception to February 2024. The keywords including “Finger-to-Nose Test”, “Developmental Coordination Disorder,” “pediatric population,” using Boolean operators AND, OR were used. Based on inclusion criteria Developmental coordination disorder with pediatric population, Observational and RCTs studies included. Results: A total of 532 articles were found from different databases, out of which only five articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Findings from the reviewed studies demonstrate that finger-to-nose test alone is not very promising evidence to assess children with DCD from healthy controls. Conclusion: This review concluded that FTN test remains a valuable tool in assessing motor coordination disorders, its optimal use lies in conjunction with other assessment measures to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Continuous research efforts aimed at refining its utility and exploring its implications in therapeutic interventions will contribute to better understanding and management of motor coordination disorders in children.

The association between symptoms of developmental coordination disorder and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between DCD symptoms and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD. We recruited 298 children aged 5-12 years. Motor performance was assessed using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), while ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale (ARS) and the Advanced Test of Attention (ATA). Cognitive characteristics were measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, and behavioral characteristics were assessed using the Korean Personality Rating Scale for Children. The children had a mean age of 7.6 ± 1.7 years, with 214 (71.8%) being boys. Among children diagnosed with ADHD (n = 176), 39.2% exceeded the DCDQ cutoff score, compared to 4.1% in the neurotypical group (n = 122). In the correlation analysis, the DCDQ total score was significantly correlated with ARS, omission and commission errors in visual and auditory ATA, and full-scale intellectual quotient. In addition, symptoms of depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis were correlated with the DCDQ total score. In the between-group analysis, children with both ADHD and DCD exhibited more omission errors on the auditory ATA and behavioral problems related to depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis compared to children with ADHD only. Our study indicates that children with ADHD exhibit more difficulties in motor performance. Children with both ADHD and DCD may present with a greater burden of psychiatric conditions than children with ADHD only, suggesting the need for careful monitoring in clinical practice.

Changes in cortical grey matter volume with Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance intervention in children with developmental coordination disorder.

Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is a cognitive-based, task-specific intervention recommended for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). We recently showed structural and functional brain changes after CO-OP, including increased cerebellar grey matter. This study aimed to determine whether CO-OP intervention induced changes in cortical grey matter volume in children with DCD, and if these changes were associated with improvements in motor performance and movement quality. This study is part of a randomized waitlist-control trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02597751). Children with DCD (N = 78) were randomized to either a treatment or waitlist group and underwent three MRIs over 6 months. The treatment group received intervention (once weekly for 10 weeks) between the first and second scan; the waitlist group received intervention between the second and third scan. Cortical grey matter volume was measured using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Behavioral outcome measures included the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2). Of the 78 children, 58 were excluded (mostly due to insufficient data quality), leaving a final N = 20 for analyses. Due to the small sample size, we combined both groups to examine treatment effects. Cortical grey matter volume differences were assessed using a repeated measures ANOVA, controlling for total intracranial volume. Regression analyses examined the relationship of grey matter volume changes to BOT-2 (motor performance) and PQRS (movement quality). After CO-OP, children had significantly decreased grey matter in the right superior frontal gyrus and middle/posterior cingulate gyri. We found no significant associations of grey matter volume changes with PQRS or BOT-2 scores. Decreased cortical grey matter volume generally reflects greater brain maturity. Decreases in grey matter volume after CO-OP intervention were in regions associated with self-regulation and motor control, consistent with our other studies. Decreased grey matter volume may be due to focal increases in synaptic pruning, perhaps as a result of strengthening networks in the brain via the repeated learning and actions in therapy. Findings from this study add to the growing body of literature demonstrating positive neuroplastic changes in the brain after CO-OP intervention.

"Picture this from there": spatial perspective-taking in developmental visuospatial disorder and developmental coordination disorder.

Either Developmental Visuospatial Disorder (DVSD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) present with difficulties in visuospatial processing, even though entailing different degrees of impairment. Among the visuospatial domain, spatial perspective taking is essential to interact with the environment and is significantly involved in many daily activities (e.g., environment navigation and spatial orienting). Notwithstanding, no previous studies have investigated this spatial domain in children with DVSD and limited evidence is available regarding DCD. Consistent with a transdiagnostic approach, the first goal of the present study was to compare spatial perspective taking abilities of these groups, also including a control group of not diagnosed peers (ND). Secondly, the role of different fine-motor and visuo-spatial predictors on the spatial perspective taking performance was considered. A total of 85 participants (DVSD = 26; DCD = 26; ND = 33), aged between 8 and 16 years old, were included in the study. Tasks assessing spatial perspective taking, fine-motor, visual imagery, and mental rotation skills, as well as visuo-spatial working memory were administered. Overall, our results confirmed weaknesses in spatial perspective taking in both clinical groups, with the DVSD obtaining the lowest scores. Similarities and differences in the predictors accounting for the performance in the spatial perspective taking task emerged, suggesting the possible employment of different fine-motor or visuospatial strategies by group. Findings are discussed considering the potential impact they may have both in research and clinical practice.

Social responsiveness in children with developmental coordination disorder

BackgroundDevelopmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in performing motor tasks. Research suggests social skills are also altered. ObjectiveTo investigate (1) whether the presence of DCD affects social responsiveness, (2) whether the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social responsiveness in children with DCD, and (3) whether there is an association between motor performance and social responsiveness in children with DCD. MethodsBased on parental reports, children aged 5 to 15.5 years were assigned to one of three groups: DCD only (noASD, n = 67), DCD and suspected ASD (sASD, n = 13), and DCD and confirmed ASD (cASD, n = 22). Parental answers to the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) and the DCD-Questionnaire (DCD-Q) were compared to norm values using one sample t-tests, and between groups using ANOVA and MANOVA. Pearson correlation coefficients explored the relationship between the SRS-2 and DCD-Q in the total group and per group. ResultsCompared to norm values, difficulties in all areas of social responsiveness were reported in children with DCD, regardless of group (p<0.001). Compared to the noASD group, more unfavorable SRS-2 total T-scores and poorer DCD-Q scores were observed in sASD and cASD groups. Only in the total group, motor performance showed significant weak to moderate associations with the SRS-2 total T-score and all subscales except for ‘social motivation’ (r=-0.306 to -0.405; p ≤ 0.02). ConclusionSocial responsiveness difficulties are more common in children with DCD and are more severe in the ASD groups. Motor performance and social responsiveness are weak to moderately associated. Clinical Trial Registration NumberNCT05092893 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05092893)

A40: An Experimental Study on the Effect of Intelligent Motor Intervention on Motor Ability of Infants with Motor Retardation

Purpose: Early exercise intervention is particularly important for the improvement of motor ability in young children with delayed motor development. In this study, the effect of intelligent exercise online intervention on the motor ability of slow motor development in children aged 3 to 6 years was verified by arranging interesting sports games in the sports APP. Methods: Using the experimental method, interview method and mathematical statistics method, 37 children aged 3-6 years were selected through the motor development questionnaire, and online exercise intervention was carried out around the six themes of balance, coordination, sensitivity, flexibility, jumping and strength. There is a sports theme cycle every week, and the weekend is a parent-child sports game. The overall intervention lasts for 6 months, lasting from 15 to 20 minutes per day. Results: There were highly significant differences in children's exercise ability before and after the experiment (t= -24.859, P &lt; 0.01); the sensitivity, flexibility and coordination were particularly improved, with highly significant differences (t= -25.147, P &lt; 0.01); interviews found that through weekly parent-child exercise games, children and parents increased physical interaction and language communication compared with before intervention. Conclusion: Intelligent exercise online intervention can effectively improve the motor ability of children aged 3 to 6 years, especially the sensitivity, flexibility, and coordination ability. Meanwhile, regular parent-child exercise can improve communication between parents and children and improve the parent-child relationship.

Neurorazvojni ishod preterminske novorođenčadi

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonate mortality and the second cause of death for children under 5 years of age in the world. The neonates born with very low birth weight (&lt;1500 g) and extremely low birth weight (&lt;1000 g), as well as neonates born very preterm and extremely preterm are at high risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities. Three common and frequent forms of brain injury in preterm neonates are intraventricular hemorrhage, white and gray brain matter injury. Motor developmental delay is early identified in premature neonates, especially during the first three years of life. The major motor deficit is cerebral palsy, but in school age, minor motor dysfunctions are diagnosed and named developmental coordination disorder. The second domain in which developmental delays are identified is cognitive development. Children born prematurely have lower intelligence quotient and a high risk of speech and language disabilities. The low gestational age and low birth weight are the risk factors for emotional disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders. The frequency of visual impairment and hearing loss decreased with enlarging gestational age at birth. Intracranial hemorrhage and neonatal seizures are identified as prominent risk factors for later-onset epilepsy. A key strategy to reduce neurodevelopmental disability is the prevention of preterm delivery. Transport of pregnant women with a risk of preterm delivery and delivery in tertiary centers, prenatal administration of glucocorticoids and magnesium sulfate decreases the risk of preterm brain injury and improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. Also, the program "Neonatal Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program" and the application of the "skin-to-skin contact" method (Kangaroo Mother Care) have favorable effects on the neurodevelopmental outcome in premature neonates. Future research should make new recommendations for neuroprotection of the preterm neonates.

PFAS e salute: quali rischi per l’uomo?

Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a series of synthetic chemical compounds that can be found in the environment, potentially associated with various adverse health effects on human health, such as carcinogenicity, immune and genotoxicity, and endocrine disorders. During pregnancy, an increased risk of fetal growth retardation, low birth weight, and preterm birth has also been highlighted; possible delays in motor and cognitive development in children have also been reported, with potential effects on their learning ability and social interaction. The metabolic alterations reported in adults could also be possible in children, with an increased risk of obesity and early puberty. Through direct exposure (ingestion of contaminated substances) and indirect exposure (consumption of foods that have come into contact with PFAS through packaging, storage, and cooking), PFAS can compromise our food security with possible long-term outcomes. This problem is now of global concern and, unfortunately, also affects Italy, as shown by the “Veneto case”, particularly in the provinces of Padua and Verona, where a marked contamination of the sewer system and drinking water of the territory has been found, with very high concentrations of PFAS (&gt;1000 ng/L). From this perspective, the medical and scientific community must be aware of the presence of PFAS in the environment and their possible interference with health to suggest ways to reduce exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children.