Effects of Exercise Combined With Cognitive Training on Motor Performance in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Effects of Exercise Combined With Cognitive Training on Balance, Motor Skills and Physical Fitness Among Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder(DCD) is a common neuro-developmental disorder in childhood, characterized by deficits in motor coordination. This study aimed to examine the effects of exercise combined with cognitive training versus exercise-only training on balance-postural control, gross motor skills and physical fitness in children with DCD.

Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Twenty children aged 7-11 years diagnosed with DCD were randomly allocated into experimental group(n=10) receiving 10-week combined exercise-cognitive training and control group(n=10) receiving exercise-only training. Training was implemented 3 sessions per week, 60 minutes per session for 10 weeks. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, week-6 and week-10. Motor performance indicators included Y-balance test, eyes-closed single-leg stand, BOT-2 gross-motor sub-scale and national student physical fitness tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children aged between 7-11 years old.
2. Satisfied screening criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder: MABC-2 total percentile ≤16 or sub-item percentile ≤5; meet age-cut-off score of DCD-Q questionnaire.
3. Caregiver reported motor difficulties have presented from early developmental stage.
4. Participants are capable of completing all training and assessment procedures.
5. Written informed consent provided by legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
2. Severe organic disease that contraindicates physical exercise.
3. Receiving concurrent physical therapy or occupational therapy targeting motor coordination during study period.