Balance problems during obstacle crossing in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Area of Science:

• Motor Control
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Obstacle crossing requires complex visuomotor and balance control.
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is associated with motor and balance deficits.
• Understanding these limitations in children is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare visuomotor and balance control during obstacle crossing in typically developing (TD) children and those with DCD.
• To identify specific limitations in gait parameters and center of mass (COM) movement in children with DCD.
• To elucidate the impact of obstacle height on motor control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Spatiotemporal gait parameters and COM kinematics were analyzed in 12 TD children and 12 children with DCD (aged 7-9 years).
• Participants performed overground walking and crossed low (5% leg length) and high (30% leg length) obstacles.
• Measurements included gait speed, foot placement variability, and COM range and velocity.

Main Results:

• Both groups reduced walking speed and foot placement variability when approaching obstacles.
• Obstacle crossing increased lead/trail foot swing phase and maximal medio-lateral COM velocity compared to level walking.
• Children with DCD exhibited higher medio-lateral COM velocity and amplitude, indicating poorer balance control.

Conclusions:

• Typically developing children and those with DCD demonstrate adequate anticipatory control and visual guidance for obstacle crossing.
• Children with DCD have a reduced capacity to manage center of mass (COM) momentum during obstacle negotiation, particularly with increased balance demands.
• These findings highlight specific balance control deficits in DCD during dynamic tasks.