Prevalence Of Developmental Coordination Disorder Research Articles

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Motor Planning Difficulties: A Confirmatory Study on the Overlap Between Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) represent two frequent neurodevelopmental disorders, which may be comorbid or have common characteristics with each other. The aim of the present study was to explore the presence of DCD or motor planning difficulties in children with behavioral disorders and/or ADHD, as already stated in the literature. Motor abilities were assessed in a sample of children which underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. A total of 43 children were included in the study and were subdivided in three groups: those with ADHD and DCD, those with DCD, and those with ADHD but also presenting motor-praxic difficulties. The first group obtained clinical scores at the considered tests, with worse performances in the balance area; in the second and third groups lower scores were observed in the manual dexterity and balance, with more homogeneous profiles. Overall, 27.3% of ADHD subjects received a diagnosis of DCD as well, whereas 31.8% showed documented motor-praxic difficulties. Our results confirmed an increased prevalence of DCD or general motor difficulties in children with ADHD compared to the general population. Further research should investigate whether a poorer motor performance assessed by standardized tests could be either due to a comorbid neurodevelopmental condition or a direct consequence of the pivotal symptomatology of the disorder.

Epidemiological Study on Developmental Coordination Disorder in School Going Children

Introduction: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) has garnered significant attention in recent years, with rapid advancements in our understanding of this condition. Despite this progress, DCD often goes undiagnosed, making it challenging for children, parents, and educators to access essential resources. The motor difficulties associated with DCD can lead to social exclusion, as peers may be reluctant to invite these children to participate in play activities. Consequently, children with DCD may withdraw from leisure pursuits, perceiving themselves as lacking the necessary skills to engage fully. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to identify DCD in non-referred school-aged children. Early identification enables these individuals to access crucial resources, such as physiotherapy interventions, which can maximize their functional, academic, and psychosocial performance, and overall quality of life. Materials and Methods: The study involved 200 non-referred school-going children aged 4-12 years from Bangalore, selected through random sampling. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), consisting of 32 organized tasks across four sets covering manual dexterity, ball skills, and dynamic balance, was administered. Additionally, the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), comprising 12 tasks that assess a child’s ability to accomplish various motor skills, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a 113-item inventory describing children’s psychosocial behavior, were utilized to evaluate overall development. Results: Multivariate analysis identified a significant prevalence of DCD among the study participants. The findings underscore the imperative nature of early identification using comprehensive assessment tools for the well-being and psychosocial adaptation of school-aged children. Conclusions: These findings indicate that children with movement problems are at risk for difficulties in attention, learning, and psychosocial adjustment. Regardless of the kind or intensity, a child’s assessment for movement issues should cover a broad variety of functions in addition to motor skills. This comprehensive approach will enable access to essential resources, such as physiotherapeutic interventions, crucial for their overall development.

Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder in primary school children.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is one of the most frequently observed movement disorders in childhood, yet data on its prevalence are still unclear. This two-stage epidemiological study aims to determine the prevalence of DCD in children between 6 and 10 years of age according to the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). In the first stage, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ'07) were given to primary school students. In the second stage, clinicians conducted psychiatric interviews with children who had an indication of DCD or were suspected of having DCD according to the DCDQ'07 and their parents. The interviews utilized the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for DCD and applied the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version-Turkish Adaptation (K-SADS-PL) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) to identify co-occurring disorders. In the first stage, 2,306 children were evaluated, and 205 were invited for a clinical interview. Of the 198 children interviewed, 49 met the diagnostic criteria for DCD. The prevalence of DCD in Türkiye was found to be 2.1%. High parental education level, a previous psychiatric admission of the child, mother's postpartum depressive symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were significantly more common among children with DCD. Potentially associated factors were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. The mother's education level, the presence of postpartum depressive symptoms, and co-occurring disorders in the child were found to be associated factors.

Comparison of the effect of teaching games for understanding, sport education, combined and linear pedagogy on motor proficiency of children with developmental coordination disorder.

The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is increasing and it has been shown that the main problem of children with DCD is their low motor proficiency. Therefore, it is important to find a way to improve motor skills in these children. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effect of teaching games for understanding (TGFU), sport education (SE), combined (TGFU and SE), and linear pedagogy (LP) on motor proficiency of children with DCD. In this regard, among 7-year-old children in Turkey, 80 children were selected voluntarily and by evaluating the MABCD-2 test. These children were randomly placed in four-LP (control), SE, TGFU, and combined (SE-TGFU) groups and practiced futsal exercises for 16 sessions under the supervision of coaches specific to each method. BOT-2 short-form test was used to evaluate motor proficiency. The results of the analysis of the covariance test showed that the group effect is significant, and the results of the post hoc LSD test showed a significant difference between the LP with SE, LP with TGFU, LP with combination, SE with TGFU, SE with combination and TGFU with combination groups (p = <0.001). Based on the results of this study, the combined method is the best compared to other methods. Generally, combining games as an important activity in childhood with SE that emphasizes improving the child's self-esteem is a method that can solve the movement competence that is the main problem of DCD children and lead them to continue physical activity.

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).

Developmental Coordination Disorder and Unhealthy Weight Status in Taiwanese Children: The Roles of Sex and Age.

This study aimed to provide up-to-date information regarding the estimated prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in Taiwanese children. Their unhealthy weight status was also examined, as well as the roles of sex and age. This cross-sectional study recruited 825 children aged between 4 and 12 years and categorized them into either typically developing children (TD, >16th percentile) or children at risk for DCD (rDCD, ≤16th percentile) based on the result of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition. Body mass index was calculated to determine weight status (i.e., normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obesity). The estimated prevalence of rDCD was 9.7%. There were significantly more boys in the rDCD groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, preschool children with rDCD were at greater risk for being underweight. However, there was no significant group difference which was found for overweight/obesity. A lower prevalence of rDCD was found in this study. Nevertheless, children with rDCD may be more likely to be underweight in early childhood. Early intervention should be provided to target this population.

DETERMINATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER LEVELS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background and Objective: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting 5-6% of children and youth. Few studies examined the prevalence rate of DCD in a variety of countries; however, there is no published study on the prevalence of DCD in Turkish children. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence rate of DCD among school-aged children in Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative design was adopted in this study. The criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 th edition) were used to diagnose children with DCD. Participants were 856 children aged 6-9 years including 439 girls (51.17%) and 417 boys (48.83%) and their parents. Assessments were conducted using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ'07) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Results: The prevalence rate was found to be 8.53% for DCD among Turkish children aged 6 to 9 years. The prevalence rate ranged between 7.25% and 10.05% for the 6- to 9-year age groups. The range of prevalence rate was 7.62% to 15.09% and 4.90% to 8.74% in the girl and boy children, respectively. Despite some not significant differences, the prevalence rate of DCD were found to be similar across age and gender. Conclusion: Regardless of age and gender, the prevalence of DCD is relatively high among school-aged children in Turkey. Implementation of diagnostic and intervention strategies in primary schools is strongly recommended.

The Role of Motor Coordination, ADHD-Related Characteristics and Temperament among Mothers and Infants in Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Prospective Study.

Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, breastfeeding rates are low. Motor skills and ADHD-related characteristics have not yet been examined as breastfeeding barriers. The aim of this study was to explore whether mothers’ and infants’ motor skills, mothers’ ADHD-related characteristics and infants’ temperament are associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months after birth. Participants were 164 mothers and their infants recruited 2 days after birth. Mothers completed a demographic and delivery information questionnaire, the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. At 6 months, mothers completed the Adult DCD (developmental coordination disorder)/Dyspraxia Checklist, the Adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist-v1.1, and the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire, and provided information about their breastfeeding status. They were then divided into two groups accordingly: EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) and NEBF (non-exclusive breastfeeding). Infants were observed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. At 6 months, NEBF mothers reported higher prevalence of DCD (10.2% vs. 1.9%, χ2 = 5.561, p = 0.018) and ADHD (20.3% vs. 8.6%, χ2 = 4.680, p = 0.030) compared to EBF mothers. EBF infants demonstrated better motor coordination (t = 2.47, p = 0.016, d = 0.511), but no temperament differences compared to NEBF infants. Maternal DCD, ADHD and poor infant motor coordination are associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding and may become exclusive breastfeeding barriers. These findings may assist in identifying women at risk of not exclusively breastfeeding and encourage tailoring interventions for achieving higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Developmental Coordination Disorder, Impact of Fine Motor Skills on Handwriting and Academic Performance in School Going Children: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that inhibits muscle coordination that affects everyday life tasks and academic achievement. Children with DCD are often characterized as "clumsy" and "uncoordinated" and often lead to performance problems that most often create (TD) children can easily execute. Generally, treatments for DCD are not expected to succeed and the disease has no treatment. Therapies, on the other hand, will include skills, solutions, and accommodations that make it simpler for children with DCD to execute the motor activities required in everyday life and school settings. Some studies emphasize that child’s developmental status plays an important role in academic performance, but there is limited evidence which focuses on fine motor performance in children suspected of DCD, and its effect on their handwriting and academic performance.&#x0D; Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study will be conducted at several schools around Wardha, with 1511 school-aged children of both genders ranging in age from 8 to 14 years participating.&#x0D; Discussion: Some studies stress the importance of a child's developmental status in academic achievement, however, there is minimal data that focus on fine motor skills in children suspected of having DCD and its impact on handwriting and academic performance.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study will help us in determining the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder and the relationship between handwriting and academic performance in these children.

Analysis of developmental coordination disorder in Chinese children

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of children's developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and its distribution based on different family socioeconomic characteristics in China, in order to provide a theoretical basis for early prevention, diagnosis, and intervention for DCD. Methods: From June to October, 2016, 1 887 children aged 3-10 years from 20 kindergartens and 10 elementary schools from 8 cities in seven geographic areas of China using a stratified cluster sampling method were recruited. With a cross-sectional design, parents were asked to report on their basic information. Children' s motor ability was assessed using the movement assessment battery for children-second edition (MABC-2). Children were grouped by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), one-child status, and family structure. Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare family socioeconomic characteristics of children between different groups. Results: Among the 1 887 children, there were 1 110 (58.8%) preschool children (3-6 years of age) and 777 (41.2%) school-aged children (7-10 years of age). There were 982 males (52.0%) and 905 females (48.0%). A total of 5.5% (104 cases) children were diagnosed with DCD, 10.4% (197 cases) with suspected DCD, and 84.1% (1 586 cases) as typical motor developing children. There were no significant differences in prevalence of diagnosed and suspected DCD among different regions (χ²=17.342 and 4.877, P=0.173 and 0.560), total motor coordination score (F=2.759, P<0.05), and the scores of all dimensions (manual dexterity, positioning and grabbing, balance: F=9.276, 5.277, 3.706, all P<0.01). The prevalence of DCD in preschool children was significantly higher than that in school-age children (χ²=11.891, P<0.01). Girls were significantly better than boys in total motor coordination, manual dexterity, and balance (all P<0.01). Boys were significantly better than girls in positioning and grabbing (P<0.01). The prevalence of DCD in boys was significantly higher than that in girls (70 boys (7.1%) and 34 girls (3.8%), χ²=28.508, P<0.01). The total motor coordination ability, manual dexterity and balance of children who are overweighted (BMI>18 kg/m2) were significantly lower than those of children of normal weight (BMI≤18 kg/m2) (all P<0.01). The prevalence of suspected DCD children who are overweighted was significantly higher than that of children of normal weight (χ²=4.369, P<0.05). The difference of total motor coordination ability (F=6.811, P<0.01) and the prevalence of DCD (χ²=14.902, P<0.01) among different family structures were statistically significant. The total motor coordination ability and balance ability of children from multi-child family were better than those of children from one-child family (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The motor coordination ability of Chinese children is well-developed, with differences among different regions, gender, age, BMI, and family structure.

The prevalence of developmental co-ordination disorder among primary school

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder will have an impact in the gross motor, and the fine motor co-ordination of daily living activities of children and the academic performance of children with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder is low due to handwriting difficulty. There are also deficits in reading skills, working memory skills and mathematical skills. There may be problems associated with psychosocial aspects in relationship with peers and socialisation, low self-esteem, anxiety and low mood. The DCD prevalence in the United States is 5-8%, 5.6% in Egypt, 5.7% in Greek and 1.8% in the United Kingdom and 5.9% in Canada, 30% in Brazil and India it is found to be 1.6% in West India, 21.6% in Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu at Kattupakkam, it was found to be 3.22%, and Kattankulathur had 1.37%. Since there is no evidence of DCD prevalence in Primary schools at Tamil Nadu, the current study aims at finding the prevalence of DCD among primary school children at Kancheepuram. This Survey, with a cross-sectional study, was initiated. Two hundred children participated in the study. The Developmental Co-ordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) was used to identify DCD in primary school children at Kancheepuram. Seventy children were identified as DCD, and it revealed that the prevalence rate was 120.20 in 1000 children. The prevalence estimate was high in boys than in girls. There is a prevailing estimate of 120.20 in 1000 children of Developmental co-ordination disorder between the age group of 5 and 11 years exists among primary schools at Kancheepuram. The study concluded the need for early identification and intervention to promote awareness among parents and teachers in a school setting about developmental co-ordination disorder.

Mothers' prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is positively associated with the occurrence of developmental coordination disorder among children aged 3-6 years: A cross-sectional study in a rural area of Shanghai, China.

INTRODUCTIONPrenatal tobacco smoke exposure is a potential risk factor for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children, but evidence on the relationship between DCD in children and tobacco smoke exposure in women is limited in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study to understand the prevalence of prenatal tobacco smoke exposure among mothers and the prevalence of DCD among children and to explore if mothers’ prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is positively associated with the occurrence of DCD among children.METHODSDuring 2018, we sampled 8586 children aged 3–6 years and their mothers in Songjiang district, Shanghai. DCD in children was identified by MABC-2 screening combined with pediatrician confirmation. Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure among mothers was classified into firsthand smoke (FHS) and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. SAS 9.2 software was applied to calculate the prevalence of DCD in children, the prevalence of prenatal FHS and SHS exposure in mothers and to analyze the differences by chi-squared test and logistic regression.RESULTSAmong the 8586 women, the prevalence of prenatal FHS and SHS exposure was 0.94% and 20.79%, respectively. The prevalence of DCD in children was 6.65%, which was significantly higher in boys (7.64%) than in girls (5.51%), and children aged 3 years (9.77%) had a higher prevalence of DCD than children aged 4, 5 or 6 years (7.44%, 5.27% and 4.28%, respectively). In comparison with children whose mother was not exposed to prenatal FHS or SHS, the odds of having DCD was higher in children whose mother was exposed to prenatal FHS (OR=4.42; 95% CI: 2.62–7.44) and SHS (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.47–2.14), even after adjustment for potential confounders.CONCLUSIONSThe occurrence of DCD among children is positively associated with prenatal tobacco smoke exposure among the mothers. It is crucial to implement tobacco control measures to decrease the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women and SHS exposure at home as well as in the work environment.ABBREVIATIONSDCD: developmental coordination disorder, ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, FHS: firsthand smoke, SHS: secondhand smoke, MABC-2: movement assessment battery for children-2nd edition, GATS: global adult tobacco survey, SD: standard deviation, OR: odds ratio, CI: confidence interval, DAGs: directed acyclic graphs.

Prevalence of Developmental Co-ordination Disorder in School Children.

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) is a hidden complex childhood disorder seen in school aged children. There are only few Indian literatures supporting the prevalence of DCD among Indian school children but this current research has attempted to make a confirmatory diagnosis of DCD. Objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence rate of DCD among school children. This study was designed as cross-sectional study; sample size was 944 students. Outcome measure used was Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM V) criteria. On screening 944 children the overall prevalence rate was 3.8% (36). The gender wise distribution showed more male children were affected compared to female children. Age wise distribution showed a higher prevalence rate between the age group 9 to 14 y. This study yielded a comprehensive, well controlled overview in the prevalence of DCD, therefore early diagnosis is now a great concern and areas of theoretical, and clinical importance should be considered.

A comparison of using the DSM-5 and MABC-2 for estimating the developmental coordination disorder prevalence in Korean children

BackgroundPrevious literature has shown inconsistency in the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2) is often used for DCD prevalence studies, although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recommends four criteria. AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of DCD in Korean children using the DSM-5 and MABC-2. MethodsA total of 548 Korean elementary school students (mean age: 8.5 years ± 4.5 months) completed this study procedure. All four criteria defined by the DSM-5 were used to classify children with DCD. MABC-2 test scores were used to classify students into four subgroups: high-risk DCD, mild-risk DCD, probable DCD and typical development. ResultsCohen’s kappa revealed that the estimates of DCD prevalence were not significantly different between MABC-2 and DSM-5. When DSM-5 criteria were applied, 60 children out of 548 were classified as probable DCD (10.94%) compared to 70 children with probable DCD (12.77%) when MABC-2 was used. ConclusionsDCD prevalence based on DSM-5 is not significantly different from MABC-2, though it tends to estimate less than MABC-2. Future studies should consider our findings when selecting an assessment tool.

Developmental Coordination Disorder and Its Association With Developmental Comorbidities at 6.5 Years in Apparently Healthy Children Born Extremely Preterm

There are concerns that apparently healthy extremely preterm children face a risk of developing motor impairments, such as developmental coordination disorder. To evaluate the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder and associated comorbidities in a national cohort of apparently healthy children born at 22 to 26 gestational weeks, compared alongside term-born peers. This prospective, population-based cohort study included all children who were consecutively born at 22 to 26 gestational weeks in Sweden from April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2007. At 6.5 years, 441 preterm children were evaluated alongside 371 controls. A total of 275 preterm children (62.4%) and 359 term-born children (96.8%) did not have neurodevelopmental disabilities. Motor assessments were completed for 229 of 275 preterm children (83.3%) and 344 of 359 (95.8%) term-born children, who composed the final study sample. Developmental coordination disorder was defined as a score of the fifth percentile or lower on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition scale, using control group scores. Assessment tools included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition, the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales, the Five to Fifteen questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire. Of the 229 extremely preterm children and 344 term-born controls who underwent motor assessments, 115 (50.2%) and 194 (56.4%) were boys, respectively. Developmental coordination disorder was present in 85 of 229 (37.1%) preterm children and in 19 of 344 controls (5.5%) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.92; 99% CI, 3.69-17.20). When preterm children with developmental coordination disorder were compared with term-born peers, the risk was increased for total behavioral problems, internalizing, externalizing, attentional problems, hyperactivity, perceptual problems, executive dysfunction, and poor social skills, with adjusted ORs varying from 2.66 (99% CI, 1.09-6.48) for time concepts to 9.06 (99% CI, 3.60-22.8) for attentional problems (all P < .01). When preterm children with and without developmental coordination disorder were compared, preterm children with developmental coordination disorder had more behavioral problems; the adjusted OR for total behavioral problems was 2.71 (99% CI, 1.15-6.37); for externalizing problems, 2.80 (99% CI, 1.10-7.12); for inattention, 3.38 (99% CI, 1.39-8.18); and for combined attention/hyperactivity problems, 3.68 (99% CI, 1.47-9.16) (all P < .01). Parents underestimated the children's motor problems and only a few of the children had received psychological care or physiotherapy. Children who were born extremely preterm faced a high risk for developmental coordination disorder with associated comorbidities. Our findings support the importance of a structured follow-up of motor function, behavior, and cognition.

Motor Competence Levels and Prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder in Spanish Children: The MOVI-KIDS Study.

Motor competence (MC) affects numerous aspects of children's daily life. The aims of this study were to: evaluate MC, provide population-based percentile values for MC; and determine the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in Spanish schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study included 1562 children aged 4 to 6 years from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. MC was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition. Values were analyzed according to age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), environment (rural/urban), and type of school. Boys scored higher than girls in aiming and catching, whereas girls aged 6 scored higher than boys in balance. Children living in rural areas and those attending to public schools obtained better scores in aiming and catching than those from urban areas and private schools. The prevalence of DCD was 9.9%, and 7.5% of children were at risk of having movement problems. Motor test scores can represent a valuable reference to evaluate and compare the MC in schoolchildren. Schools should identify motor problems at early ages and design initiatives which prevent or mitigate them.

Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurological impairment occurring in nearly 6% of general population, and sometimes mimics other developmental disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or, in the most severe cases, intellectual deficiency. To review the general portrait of DCD, the physiology, the clinical assessments, and to provide an overview of functional studies on the subject. We finally report some proposed DCD managements which vary depending on the manifestation of the disorder and on the goals of the therapy. DCD can be stated as a sum of fine motor, perceptual visual and executive difficulties, emerging during childhood brain development and lasting throughout adulthood. Even if DCD can be isolated from other co-morbidities in certain individuals, it is still difficult to categorize it in delimited subclasses of characteristics, e.g. problems of vision or language. The findings in functional imaging also diverge in locating the cerebral deficit for a given motor task. Finding a single explanation seems difficult as many cerebral regions are associated with DCD and many clinical aspects are involved, but, further studies could explore genetic (or epigenetic) explanation for the prevalence of DCD in population.

Prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder signs in children 5 to 14 years in São Carlos

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in children aged 5-14 years, enrolled in public preschools and elementary schools in São Carlos - SP. There were 130 participating families. Instruments were: Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire – Brazil (DCDQ - Brazil), Brazil criteria and a questionnaire for the characterization of children. The prevalence of DCD found was 30%, which is overestimated when compared to data found in much of the literature, justified by the use of the instrument for detection of the DCD. No significant difference was found between the presence of signs in boys and girls and there was a higher concentration of children with DCD signs on B2, C1 and C2 socioeconomic classes. The prevalence of DCD signs was higher in children over 8 years.

The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in school going children of west india

The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in school going children of west india

Can the MABC discriminate and predict motor impairment? A comparison of Brazilian and American children

Background: Estimates of the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder range from 1.7% to 19%, raising concerns about the discriminative ability of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Aims: We compared MABC performance of children aged 4–12 years from the USA and Brazil. We aimed to examine: a) the prevalence of motor impairment across countries; b) age band and sex differences across countries; c) the test's ability to discriminate and predict motor impairment; and d) to identify the discriminating capacity of each MABC subtest. Methods: Children (n=1055) from Brazil and the USA were included in the present study. MABC cut-off points (typical development: above 15%, at risk: 6–15%; developmental coordination disorder: 0–5%) and discriminant analyses were used. Findings: Prevalence of probable developmental coordination disorder (24.1%) and at risk (16.2%) was higher in the Brazilian sample. Higher prevalence of probable developmental coordination disorder was observed among girls and among children aged 11–12 years old for the Brazilian sample and among boys and among children aged 9–12 years old for the American sample. Differences in scores across countries were only observed for children with typical development in manual dexterity and balance skills. The MABC discriminant functions were able to predict the classification of children into typical development, at risk, and probable developmental coordination disorder. The manual dexterity subtest was the strongest predictor for both samples, whereas the ball skills subtest was the weakest predictor. Conclusions: Differences for prevalence were found across countries. American results were similar with current estimates relative to incidence and gender; for Brazilian children, prevalence was near three times higher and more persistent among girls. Overall, in both countries the motor difficulties demonstrated by children with probable and at risk of developmental coordination disorder were similar for all tasks. The MABC showed predictably and discriminant capacity in the identification of children with probable and at risk developmental coordination disorder in both countries.