Decreased walking efficiency in elementary school children with developmental coordination disorder trait

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Movement Science
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills and physical function in children.
• Walking efficiency is a crucial aspect of physical function, impacting daily activities and energy expenditure.
• Limited research exists on the specific impact of DCD trait on walking efficiency and associated physical function in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare walking efficiency and associated physical function between children with and without DCD trait.
• To investigate the relationship between DCD trait and measures of walking efficiency and physical function.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 286 children (6-12 years) in Japan.
• Participants were categorized based on the Japanese version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire.
• Assessed physical function using single leg stance, step length variability, and 2-minute walk test for walking efficiency.

Main Results:

• Children with DCD trait demonstrated significantly lower walking efficiency (P=0.026) and shorter single leg stance duration (P=0.001).
• Higher step length variability was observed in the DCD trait group (P=0.047).
• DCD trait was independently associated with reduced walking efficiency and poorer single leg stance, but not step length variability.

Conclusions:

• Lower walking efficiency in children with DCD trait leads to increased energy expenditure.
• Interventions aimed at improving walking efficiency are recommended to enhance physical function and participation in children with DCD trait.