Core stability exercise is as effective as task-oriented motor training in improving motor proficiency in children...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Motor Control and Learning
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor proficiency in children.
• Effective interventions are crucial for improving motor outcomes in children with DCD.
• Core stability and task-oriented training are potential therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a core stability program versus a task-oriented motor training program.
• To evaluate improvements in motor proficiency for children diagnosed with DCD.
• To assess the impact on balance and motor skills.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted with 22 children (aged 6-9 years) diagnosed with DCD.
• Participants were allocated to either a core stability program or a task-oriented motor program.
• Interventions involved weekly face-to-face sessions and daily home exercises over eight weeks, with pre- and post-assessments using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test and Sensory Organization Test.

Main Results:

• Both core stability and task-oriented training groups showed significant improvements in motor proficiency.
• No significant difference was found between the two groups in overall motor proficiency or balance.
• The task-oriented group demonstrated significant improvement in balance, unlike the core stability group.

Conclusions:

• Core stability exercise programs are as effective as task-oriented training for improving motor proficiency in children with DCD.
• Both interventions offer comparable benefits for motor skill development in this population.
• Task-oriented training showed a positive correlation between home program compliance and improvements in motor proficiency and balance.