Effects of Fundamental Movement Skills Training on Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

• Published in: Adapted physical activity quarterly 2016-04, Vol.33 (2), p.134-155
• Main Authors: Yu, Jie, Sit, Cindy H, Burnett, Angus, Capio, Catherine M, Ha, Amy S, Huang, Wendy Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child; Developmental Disabilities - rehabilitation; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Skills Disorders - rehabilitation; Physical Education and Training - methods; Self Efficacy; Single-Blind Method; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders - therapy
• ISSN: 0736-5829; 1543-2777
• DOI: 10.1123/APAQ.2015-0008

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fundamental movement skills (FMS) training on FMS proficiency, self-perceived physical competence (SPC), physical activity (PA), and sleep disturbance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared with children with typical development (TD). A total of 84 children were allocated into either experimental group (DCD[exp], TD[exp]) who received 6 weeks of FMS training or control groups (DCD[con], TD[con]). FMS were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, whereas PA was monitored using accelerometers. SPC and sleep disturbance were evaluated using questionnaires. Results showed that the DCD[exp] group had significantly higher scores in FMS and SPC compared with the DCD[con] group at posttest. The DCD[exp] group scored lower in sleep disturbance at follow-up when compared with posttest. It is suggested that short-term FMS training is effective in improving FMS and SPC and reducing sleep disturbances for children with DCD.