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Tai chi-muscle power training for children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Shirley S M Fong1,2, Louisa M Y Chung3, Catherine Mary Schooling4,5
1Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, N.T, Hong Kong S.A.R., China. smfong_2004@yahoo.com.hk.
Scientific Reports
|December 21, 2022
Summary
Tai Chi (TC) and muscle power training (MPT) improved knee strength and reduced falls in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These exercises may help enhance physical performance and safety for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills and increases fall risk in children.
- Limited research exists on effective interventions to improve motor performance and reduce falls in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of Tai Chi (TC) combined with muscle power training (MPT), TC alone, MPT alone, and no training.
- To evaluate improvements in limits of stability (LOS), motor performance, leg muscle strength, and fall reduction in children with DCD.
Main Methods:
- 121 children with DCD were randomly assigned to four groups: TC-MPT, TC, MPT, or control.
- Interventions lasted 3 months, with training sessions three times per week.
- Outcomes included LOS, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition scores, knee muscle peak force, and fall frequency.
Main Results:
- No significant improvements were observed in LOS test scores across any intervention group.
- Both TC and MPT groups showed significant improvements in knee extensor and flexor peak forces, respectively.
- The number of falls significantly decreased in the TC and MPT groups compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Tai Chi (TC) and muscle power training (MPT) are effective in enhancing knee muscle strength in children with DCD.
- Clinicians can consider prescribing TC or MPT to improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls in children with DCD.
