Baroreflex sensitivity is reduced in adolescents with probable developmental coordination disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting motor skills and daily activities.
• Adolescents with DCD exhibit lower fitness, reduced physical activity, and higher body fat compared to typically developing peers.
• Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, making cardiovascular health in DCD a critical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) between typically developing (TD) adolescents and those with probable DCD (pDCD) or suspected pDCD (spDCD).
• To investigate the relationship between DCD, body composition, and cardiovascular regulation in adolescents aged 13-14 years.

Main Methods:

• Participants were classified into TD, spDCD, and pDCD groups based on Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition scores.
• Beat-by-beat blood pressure and R-R intervals were recorded during supine rest.
• Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was calculated using spectral analysis and transfer function analysis in the low-frequency range.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with pDCD demonstrated significantly reduced BRS compared to TD adolescents.
• In multivariate analysis, percent body fat (PBF) was a significant factor associated with BRS, while pDCD was not, after controlling for covariates.
• Increased PBF approached significance as a predictor of reduced BRS, suggesting its mediating role.

Conclusions:

• Reduced baroreflex sensitivity in adolescents with probable DCD is primarily attributable to elevated percent body fat.
• This finding highlights the importance of managing body composition in adolescents with DCD to mitigate cardiovascular risks.
• Further research should explore interventions targeting body fat to improve cardiovascular health in this population.