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Published on: February 2, 2017
Developmental Coordination Disorder and Unhealthy Weight Status in Taiwanese Children: The Roles of Sex and Age
Yao-Chuen Li1, Yu-Ting Tseng2,3, Fang-Yu Hsu1
1Department of Physical Therapy, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
Insights
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 9.7% of Taiwanese children, with boys more frequently impacted. Children with DCD are at higher risk of being underweight, necessitating early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skills.
- Understanding DCD prevalence and associated health factors in diverse populations is crucial for effective intervention.
- Taiwanese children's DCD prevalence and weight status require updated epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of DCD in Taiwanese children aged 4-12 years.
- To investigate the association between DCD risk and weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity).
- To examine the influence of sex and age on DCD prevalence and weight status.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 825 Taiwanese children aged 4-12 years.
- Children were classified as typically developing (TD) or at risk for DCD (rDCD) using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to determine weight status.
Main Results:
- The estimated prevalence of DCD risk (rDCD) was 9.7%.
- Boys were significantly more represented in the rDCD group (p < 0.001).
- Preschool children with rDCD had a higher risk of being underweight, with no significant difference in overweight/obesity rates.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of DCD risk in Taiwanese children is estimated at 9.7%.
- Children with DCD, particularly preschoolers, are more susceptible to being underweight.
- Early intervention programs are recommended for children identified with DCD to address potential health disparities.
Abstract:
This study aimed to provide up-to-date information regarding the estimated prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in Taiwanese children. Their unhealthy weight status was also examined, as well as the roles of sex and age. This cross-sectional study recruited 825 children aged between 4 and 12 years and categorized them into either typically developing children (TD, >16th percentile) or children at risk for DCD (rDCD, ≤16th percentile) based on the result of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition. Body mass index was calculated to determine weight status (i.e., normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obesity). The estimated prevalence of rDCD was 9.7%. There were significantly more boys in the rDCD groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, preschool children with rDCD were at greater risk for being underweight. However, there was no significant group difference which was found for overweight/obesity. A lower prevalence of rDCD was found in this study. Nevertheless, children with rDCD may be more likely to be underweight in early childhood. Early intervention should be provided to target this population.
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