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Implementation of a strength training program for a 5-year-old child with poor body awareness and developmental
Linda B Kaufman1, Denise L Schilling
1Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. lbkauf@dreamscape.com
Insights
Strength training improved muscle strength, motor function, and proprioception in a child with developmental coordination disorder. This suggests structured programs can enhance body awareness and neural adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Neuromuscular adaptations
- Developmental coordination disorder
Background:
- A case report details a strength training program for a child with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
- The child exhibited poor body awareness, muscle weakness, and impaired proprioception.
- Diagnosis of DCD was confirmed at age 5.
Observation:
- The child underwent a 12-week structured strength training program.
- Assessments included the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency.
- Physical therapy evaluations identified deficits in motor skills and proprioception.
Findings:
- Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength.
- Gross motor function showed notable gains.
- Proprioceptive position sense also demonstrated enhancement.
Implications:
- Muscle strength gains in children may stem from neuromuscular learning and neural adaptations.
- Structured strength training programs could positively influence proprioceptive development.
- This case highlights the potential benefits of strength training for children with DCD and poor body awareness.
Background And Purpose:
This case report describes how a strength (muscle force-generating capacity) training program was associated with changes in muscle strength, motor function, and proprioceptive position sense in a young child with poor body awareness and a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder.
Case Description:
Assessment of a prekindergarten child referred for physical therapy because of behaviors compatible with poor body awareness revealed muscle weakness, poor performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and poor proprioception. Physical therapy testing done when the child was 5 years of age contributed to a pediatrician-assigned diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder. A 12-week strength training program was initiated.
Outcomes:
Improvements were noted in muscle strength, gross motor function, and proprioception.
Discussion:
Research indicates that muscles provide information about joint position. Evidence suggests that muscle strength gains seen in children are the result of neuromuscular learning and neural adaptations; therefore, a structured strength training program may have contributed to proprioceptive changes in this child.
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