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Developmental Coordination Disorder and Joint Hypermobility in Childhood: A Narrative Review
Domenico M Romeo1,2, Ilaria Venezia2, Margherita De Biase2
1Pediatric Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy.
Insights
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and joint hypermobility often share motor difficulties. This review confirms a significant overlap, suggesting tailored rehabilitation for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Kinesiology
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and joint hypermobility frequently co-occur in children.
- The precise relationship and shared symptomatology between DCD and joint hypermobility remain unclear.
- Existing research indicates a notable prevalence of motor delays in hypermobile children and hypermobility in children with DCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing literature on the association between DCD or motor performance limitations and joint hypermobility.
- To synthesize findings regarding the clinical overlap and functional difficulties in children with both conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for English, human-based studies.
- Inclusion criteria focused on clinical association between DCD/motor performance and hyperlaxity, with outcome reporting.
- Full-text review of selected articles to identify eligible studies.
Main Results:
- 16 articles involving 1898 children met the inclusion criteria.
- Consistent evidence shows a higher incidence of motor delay or DCD in children with joint hypermobility.
- Children with DCD exhibit enhanced joint hypermobility, presenting similar functional challenges.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between DCD and joint hypermobility in pediatric populations.
- Findings support the need for individualized rehabilitation strategies based on the predominant condition.
- Understanding this comorbidity can optimize therapeutic interventions and support for affected children.
Abstract:
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and joint hypermobility could present an overlap of symptoms and motor functional difficulties. The link between these two clinical conditions has not yet been clarified. Recent studies reported a high incidence (30-50%) of motor delay in children who are referred to hypermobility and of enhanced joint hypermobility in children with DCD. The aim of this study was to provide a critical review of the literature outlining the association between DCD or limited motor performance and joint hypermobility. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were written in English and human-based. All the studies were first selected, looking for the presence of a clinical association between developmental coordination disorder or motor performance and hyperlaxity and reporting details of outcome. After a review of the full texts, 16 articles for a total of 1898 children met the inclusion criteria. In general, there was evidence of a higher incidence of motor delay or DCD in children who are referred to hypermobility and of enhanced joint hypermobility in children with DCD with similar range of functional difficulties. These results could influence the way to support children with rehabilitation and the type of intervention according to the prevalence of one of the two conditions.
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