Action-outcome Regularity Perceptual Sensitivity in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Motor Control

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is linked to internal model deficits and altered sense of agency (SoA).
• Perception of action-outcome regularity is crucial for SoA, motor learning, and skill coordination.
• This perceptual sensitivity has not been previously studied in children with DCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity in children with DCD.
• To compare this sensitivity between children with DCD and typically developing (TD) children.
• To explore the relationship between this sensitivity, age, and motor coordination.

Main Methods:

• Assessed perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity in children aged 6-15 with DCD and TD controls.
• Used the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition for motor skills.
• Administered questionnaires for DCD, social communication, ADHD, and depression in the DCD group.

Main Results:

• Children with DCD exhibited significantly reduced perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity.
• Sensitivity correlated positively with age in both DCD and TD groups.
• Younger children with DCD showed lower sensitivity than both younger and older TD children.

Conclusions:

• Reduced perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity in younger children with DCD may impair SoA development.
• This deficit could hinder internal model formation, negatively affecting motor coordination.
• Findings highlight a potential mechanism underlying motor difficulties in DCD.