Perceived athletic competence and physical activity in children with developmental coordination disorder who are clinically referred, and control children.

The relationship between perceived athletic competence (PAC) and physical activity (PA) in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is still unclear. This study investigated differences in PAC and PA between, and within, a group of children with DCD that were clinically referred (n = 31) and a group of control children (n = 38), aged 7-12 years. All children were categorized in four groups: (1) children with DCD/low PAC, (2) children with DCD/normal to high PAC, (3) control children/low PAC, and (4) control children/normal to high PAC. PAC was assessed with the Self-Perception Profile for Children, and PA was assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Children with DCD participated less in unorganized PA, but not in organized PA, compared with control children. Normal to high PAC was found in more than half of the children (64.5%) with DCD. Children with DCD/low PAC and children with DCD/normal to high PAC participated significantly less in unorganized physical activity compared with control children/normal to high PAC, but not compared with control children/low PAC. The results indicate that there are large individual differences in PAC in children with DCD.

Relationship between participation in leisure time physical activities and aerobic fitness in children with DCD.

PURPOSE: (1) To explore participation in leisure time physical activities (LTPAs) in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared with children developing typically. (2) To examine the association between participation in LTPA and aerobic fitness. METHODS: Thirty-eight children with DCD (aged 7-12 years) were age and gender matched with 38 children developing typically. Participation in LTPA was self-administered by using an activity questionnaire, and aerobic fitness was estimated using a Shuttle Run Test. RESULTS: Children with DCD spent significantly less time in overall, nonorganized, and vigorous LTPA compared with children developing typically. Aerobic fitness was significantly lower for children with DCD. The best model, including age, group, and overall LTPA, explained 46.2% of the variance in aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable physical activities should be fostered in children with DCD, who have a low participation rate and aerobic fitness level.

Health-related physical fitness in Dutch children with developmental coordination disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To compare components of health-related physical fitness between Dutch children with clinically diagnosed developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and typically developing children (TDC), and to examine associations between motor performance problems and components of health-related fitness in children with DCD. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was used to compare health-related physical fitness in children with DCD (N = 38; age, 7-12 years; 10 girls and 28 boys) with that in age- and gender-matched TDC. Motor coordination problems (manual dexterity, ball and balance skills) were assessed using the movement assessment battery for children. Health-related physical fitness was indicated by (1) cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) muscle strength, and (3) body mass index. RESULTS: Significantly lower values of cardiorespiratory fitness (6.7% lower maximal cardiorespiratory fitness) were found in children with DCD compared with TDC. Extension and flexion of the elbow and flexion of the knee were also significantly lower (by 15.3%, 16.7%, and 18.4%, respectively) in DCD children compared with TDC. A significant negative and large association was found between cardiorespiratory fitness and balance performance. CONCLUSION: Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children with clinically diagnosed DCD compared with TDC support the importance of examining and training cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, besides the regular attention for motor coordination problems.

Changes in endurance and walking ability through functional physical training in children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and effect of a functional physical training program on aerobic endurance and walking ability of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Thirteen children (8-13 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II, with normal intelligence or mild retardation) participated in this study. A functional physical training program addressing aerobic endurance, walking distance, walking velocity, and ambulation, consisted of a circuit with 4 stations and lasted 30 minutes twice weekly for 9 weeks. The Bruce, 6-minute-run test, Timed Up and Down Stairs Test, and Ambulation Questionnaire were administered 2 weeks before the start, immediately after, and 11 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant improvement in aerobic endurance, walking distance, and ambulation were observed immediately after the intervention. Maximum treadmill time had improved significantly at 11 weeks. CONCLUSION: A functional physical training improves the aerobic endurance and the functional walking ability of children with cerebral palsy.