Systematic Review to Inform the Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Physical...

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) impacts motor skill development.
• Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) require regular updates based on emerging evidence.
• Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role in managing DCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence on physical therapy (PT) examination and evaluation for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
• To inform the update of the 2020 DCD Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG).

Main Methods:

• Searched eight databases for studies on PT examination and evaluation in DCD.
• Included systematic reviews and cohort studies.
• Assessed methodological quality and certainty of evidence.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports cultural adaptations and cutoff scores for DCD questionnaires (varying quality).
• Limited evidence supports four outcome measures responsive to intervention.
• New evidence reaffirms four of five existing DCD CPG recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence supports most 2020 DCD CPG examination recommendations.
• New findings may strengthen the evidence base for two action statements.
• Updated guidelines will enhance PT management for children with DCD.