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The 24-hour movement behaviour compositions of children with and without impaired motor coordination: The Moves-UP
Nils Swindell1, Chelsea Starbuck1, Siqi Jin1
1Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
Insights
Children with suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder (sDCD) exhibit less light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and more sedentary behaviour (SB). Targeted interventions are needed, especially outside school hours.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Movement Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- 24-hour movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) are vital for child development.
- Limited research exists on the complete 24-hour movement behaviour composition in children with suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder (sDCD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the 24-hour movement behaviour composition between children with sDCD and typically developing (TD) peers.
- To examine the relationship between movement behaviours and motor competence in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-nine children (mean age 8.6 years) wore accelerometers for seven days.
- Participants completed motor competence assessments and sDCD screening (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire).
- Compositional Isotemporal-substitution analysis was employed.
Main Results:
- Children with sDCD demonstrated significantly less light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA, and more SB than TD peers.
- No significant differences in movement behaviours were found between school and weekend periods.
- Replacing lower-intensity activities with MVPA was theoretically linked to improved motor competence.
Conclusions:
- Children with sDCD exhibit distinct 24-hour movement behaviour patterns, characterized by increased sedentary time and reduced physical activity.
- These patterns may negatively impact long-term health and well-being.
- Interventions focusing on promoting physical activity, particularly outside school hours, are recommended for children with sDCD.
Abstract:
The 24-hour movement behaviours, including sleep, sedentary behaviour (SB), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are crucial for a child's healthy growth and development. Yet, the full 24-hour movement behaviour composition has not been thoroughly explored in children with suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder (sDCD). The aim of this study was to compare the 24-hour movement behaviour compositions of children with sDCD to their typically developing (TD) peers and to assess the associations between movement behaviours and motor competence. Sixty-nine children (mean age 8.6 ± 1.6 years, 55% boys) wore a wrist-mounted accelerometers for seven consecutive days, completed a dynamic motor competence assessment and were screened for sDCD using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. Results of the compositional Isotemporal-substitution analysis indicated that children with sDCD spent less time in light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA and more time in SB compared to the TD group. No significant differences were observed during school or weekend periods. However, increasing MVPA in place of lower-intensity activities was associated with theoretical improvements in motor competence. The 24-hour movement behaviour profiles of children with sDCD identified in this study may have adverse implications for their future health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for targeted interventions, particularly during out-of-school hours.
