Optimizing Motor Coordination in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Mini-Handball vs. Motor Skills...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Motor learning and development
• Sports science

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) impacts children's motor skills, affecting daily activities and physical participation.
• Traditional motor skill training is common, but sport-based interventions may offer enhanced benefits through dynamic learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of mini-handball training compared to conventional motor skills training for improving coordination in children with DCD.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four children (9-10 years) with DCD were randomized into mini-handball, motor skills training, or control groups.
• Intervention groups trained 3 times/week for 12 weeks; mini-handball involved sport-specific drills and games, while motor skills training focused on balance and fine motor exercises.
• Motor coordination was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the MABC-2, with data analyzed via linear mixed models.

Main Results:

• Both intervention groups showed significant motor coordination improvements over the control group.
• The mini-handball group demonstrated superior outcomes, especially in visuomotor integration and anticipatory control tasks like aiming, catching, and balance.

Conclusions:

• Mini-handball is an effective, ecologically valid intervention for children with DCD, integrating skill practice with cognitive and social elements.
• Sport-based, open-skill interventions like mini-handball show promise for therapeutic protocols, school programs, and community initiatives for children with DCD.