A Range of Service Delivery Modes for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder Are Effective: A Randomized...

To investigate whether the environment and personnel providing intervention to children with developmental coordination disorder make a difference in motor outcomes and perceived competency.

Ninety-three children (66 males), aged 5 years 1 month to 8 years 11 months, with developmental coordination disorder were randomized to receive a 13-week group-based task-oriented intervention, either at school by a school assistant or physical therapist, or in a health clinic by a physical therapist. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) assessed motor skills pre- and postintervention. Self-perception and cost-effectiveness were also assessed.

Participants demonstrated a significant improvement in motor skills following intervention for all modes of delivery up to 6 months postintervention, MABC mean difference 7.20 (95% confidence interval, 5.89-8.81), effect size = 0.98.

Group intervention programs for developmental coordination disorder can be run by either a health professional or a school assistant (supported by physical therapist) in either the school or clinic environment and provide successful outcomes.