Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills in children.
• Objective measurement of physical activity (PA) is crucial for understanding health behaviors.
• Limited research exists on PA differences between children with and without DCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze objective physical activity (PA) data.
• To compare PA levels between children with and without DCD.
• To identify age-specific differences in PA for children with DCD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across four major databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane Library).
• Inclusion of studies with DSM-diagnosed DCD, objective PA measures, and typically developing control groups.
• Data extraction included study design, sample size, PA measures, intensity, and findings.

Main Results:

• Twelve articles were included in the review; ten contributed to the meta-analysis.
• Children with DCD showed significantly lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (mean difference = -0.17).
• A subgroup analysis revealed significantly lower MVPA in school-aged children (6-14 years) with DCD (SMD = -0.27).

Conclusions:

• Children with DCD participate less in MVPA, particularly those aged 6-14 years.
• Findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing reduced PA in children with DCD.
• Increased awareness among healthcare providers and parents is recommended to promote PA in this population.