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A Novel Balance Training Program for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Shirley S M Fong1, X Guo, Yoyo T Y Cheng
1From the Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (SF, YC, TY, DM); Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (XG, WT); School of Science and Health (Occupational Therapy), University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia (KL); and Department of Health and Physical Education, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, Hong Kong (LC).
Insights
Functional movement-power training (FMPT) significantly improved balance and neuromuscular performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared to functional movement training (FMT) alone or no training.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills in children.
- Balance and neuromuscular performance are often impaired in children with DCD.
- Targeted training programs may enhance motor function in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of functional movement-power training (FMPT) versus functional movement training (FMT) and a control group.
- To assess improvements in balance strategies and neuromuscular performance in children with DCD.
- To determine if FMPT offers superior benefits over FMT for DCD.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blinded, parallel group controlled trial involving 161 children with DCD (aged 6-10 years).
- Participants were assigned to FMPT, FMT, or control groups, with FMPT and FMT receiving 3 months of twice-weekly training.
- Balance was assessed using the sensory organization test (computerized dynamic posturography), and neuromuscular performance via knee muscle peak force and time to peak force.
Main Results:
- FMPT group showed significantly greater improvement in balance strategies compared to FMT and control groups.
- FMPT also led to greater improvements in knee extensor peak force and time to peak force in knee flexors.
- The FMPT program demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing balance and neuromuscular function.
Conclusions:
- Functional movement-power training (FMPT) is more effective than functional movement training (FMT) for improving balance and neuromuscular performance in children with DCD.
- FMPT offers a promising intervention for addressing motor deficits in children with DCD.
- These findings support the integration of power components into functional training for pediatric motor disorders.
Unlabelled:
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a specific functional movement-power training (FMPT) program, a functional movement training (FMT) program and no training in the improvement of balance strategies, and neuromuscular performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It was a randomized, single-blinded, parallel group controlled trial.
Methods:
161 children with DCD (age: 6-10 years) were randomly assigned to the FMPT, FMT, or control groups. The 2 intervention groups received FMPT or FMT twice a week for 3 months. Measurements were taken before, after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention period. The primary outcomes were the composite score and strategy scores on the sensory organization test as measured by a computerized dynamic posturography machine. Secondary outcomes included the knee muscle peak force and the time taken to reach the peak force. The balance strategies adopted in sensory challenging environments of the FMPT participants showed greater improvement from baseline to posttest than those of the FMT participants (7.10 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-12.69; P = 0.008) and the control participants (7.59 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-13.38; P = 0.005). The FMPT participants also exhibited greater improvement from baseline to the posttest in the knee extensor peak force and time to peak force in the knee flexors. The FMPT program was more effective than the conventional FMT program in the enhancement of balance strategies and neuromuscular performance in children with DCD.
