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A Group Motor Skills Program for Children with Coordination Difficulties: Effect on Fundamental Movement Skills and
Kyra J Kane1, Kerri L Staples2
1a Children's Program, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region , Regina , Saskatchewan , Canada.
Insights
This study found that a parent-involved program improved gross motor skills in children with coordination difficulties. While physical activity (PA) showed slight gains, further research is needed to meet PA guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Child development and motor skills
- Public health and physical activity
Background:
- Children with coordination difficulties often exhibit low physical activity (PA) levels, increasing health risks.
- Multidisciplinary programs incorporating parent participation may enhance motor skill development and PA in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a parent-focused, multidisciplinary program on motor skill performance and PA in children with coordination challenges.
- To assess improvements in gross motor skills and daily PA levels post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A group program was implemented for ten boys (5-7 years) focusing on conditioning and child-selected goals.
- Motor proficiency was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), and PA was assessed via accelerometers.
- Child and parent perceptions of goal achievement were captured through rating scales.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in TGMD-2 scores (raw, age equivalent, percentile) and parent-reported performance.
- Moderate to vigorous PA increased by an average of 10 minutes per day, though not statistically significant.
- Sedentary time remained unchanged, and no participants met Canadian PA guidelines.
Conclusions:
- The group program effectively enhanced gross motor performance in children with coordination difficulties.
- Improvements in motor skills and PA participation can positively influence quality of life and mitigate inactivity-related health risks.
- Further interventions are warranted to ensure children achieve recommended PA levels.
Aims:
Children with coordination difficulties are at risk of low levels of physical activity (PA) participation. This intervention examined the effects of a multidisciplinary program that emphasized parent participation on motor skill performance and PA.
Methods:
Ten boys (5-7 years) completed a group program consisting of conditioning exercises and activities designed to address child-selected goals. Motor proficiency and PA participation were assessed before and after the program using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and triaxial accelerometers, respectively. Rating scales captured child and parent perceptions of performance for each child's goals.
Results:
TGMD-2 subtest raw scores, age equivalent and percentile scores improved, along with parent ratings of their child's performance. Six children reported skill improvements. On average, moderate to vigorous PA improved by 10 min per day although these gains were not significant. Time spent in sedentary activities was unchanged. None of the children met the Canadian PA and sedentary behaviour guidelines.
Conclusions:
The results support effectiveness of a group program to improve gross motor performance and levels of PA in children with coordination difficulties. Gains in both of these domains also have the potential to impact quality of life and reduce health risks associated with inactivity.
