Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training
Published on: July 27, 2022
Physical activity and fitness in children with developmental coordination disorder: a systematic review
Irina Rivilis1, John Hay, John Cairney
1Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada. irina.rivilis@utoronto.ca
Insights
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) often struggle with physical activities, impacting their fitness. This review found DCD is linked to poorer body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength compared to peers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skills crucial for daily activities.
- Children with DCD face challenges in fundamental movements like running and jumping, impacting overall health and fitness.
- Understanding fitness and physical activity differences in DCD is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current literature on fitness and physical activity in children with DCD.
- To quantify the differences in fitness and physical activity levels between children with DCD and typically developing children.
- To identify gaps and limitations in existing research for future study direction.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using electronic databases and reference lists.
- Forty peer-reviewed studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed.
- Studies were evaluated based on design, population, assessment tools, measures, and fitness/physical activity outcomes.
Main Results:
- Children with DCD showed negative associations with body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity, and power.
- Physical activity levels were generally lower in children with DCD.
- Findings regarding flexibility were inconclusive, with mixed results across studies.
Conclusions:
- Poor motor proficiency in DCD is associated with deficits in multiple fitness components and reduced physical activity.
- While flexibility differences remain unclear, other key fitness areas are significantly impacted.
- Further research is needed to address limitations and refine understanding of fitness in DCD.
Abstract:
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by poor motor proficiency that interferes with a child's activities of daily living. Activities that most young children engage in such as running, walking, and jumping are important for the proper development of fitness and overall health. However, children with DCD usually find these activities challenging. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to synthesize the recent available data on fitness and physical activity in children with DCD, and to understand the extent of the differences between children with DCD and their typically developing peers. Systematic searches of electronic databases and reference lists identified 40 peer-reviewed studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were reviewed in terms of: (a) study design, (b) population, (c) assessment tools, (d) measures, and (e) fitness and physical activity outcomes. It has been demonstrated that body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity, power, and physical activity have all been negatively associated, to various degrees, with poor motor proficiency. However, differences in flexibility were not conclusive as the results on this parameter are mixed. Studies' limitations and the impact of results on future work are discussed.
