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Can I play too? Physical activity engagement of children with developmental coordination disorders
Anne A Poulsen1, Jenny M Ziviani
1Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia. a.poulsen@uq.edu.au
Insights
Children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) are less active and face barriers to physical play. Understanding these complex factors is key to promoting active lifestyles for children with DCD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Developmental Psychology
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) exhibit reduced physical activity levels.
- Their social and physical play patterns differ significantly from their typically developing peers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model conceptualizing factors influencing physical activity selection, engagement, and persistence in children with DCD.
- To explore the role of occupational therapists in promoting physically active lifestyles for this population.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews factors impacting physical activity engagement throughout life for children with motor coordination difficulties.
- It considers both external environmental influences (social, cultural, physical) and individual characteristics (physical, psychological attributes).
Main Results:
- A conceptual model is presented to understand the multifaceted dimensions affecting physical activity choices in children with DCD.
- The model highlights how environmental and individual factors interact to influence participation.
Conclusions:
- Interventions to boost physical activity in children with DCD require a comprehensive understanding of occupational engagement correlates.
- Occupational therapists play a crucial role in facilitating balanced, active lifestyles by addressing these complex factors.
Background:
Children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) are less physically active and have significantly different patterns of social and physical play than their well-coordinated peers.
Factors:
The impact of motor incoordination on physical activity engagements throughout life is influenced by a multitude of factors. External factors such as the social, cultural and physical environment may act as either supports or barriers to active physical involvement. Individual characteristics including the unique physical and psychological attributes of the child with motor coordination difficulties also impact on engagement in physically active occupations.
Result:
A model is proposed that conceptualizes the multiple dimensions which impinge on the decisions to select, engage and persist in physical activities for children with developmental coordination disorders.
Practice Implications:
The occupational therapist's role in promoting a balanced and physically active lifestyle is explored. Interventions to increase physical activity participation for children with DCD are dependent on a full understanding of the complex, multi-dimensional correlates of occupational engagement.
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