Evidence for your Practice: Motor Skill Interventions in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Article: Jane, J. Y., Sit, C. H., & Burnett, A. F. (2018). Motor skill interventions in children with developmental coordination disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Study Aim: To determine the characteristics and effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Population: Children aged 3 to 17 years who were diagnosed as having DCD. 

Intervention: Motor skill interventions as defined as movement activities or programs developed and instructed properly with the clear intent of motor skills acquisition or improvement that were implemented in settings such as a school or clinic.

Key Findings: 

• Motor skill interventions are effective in improving motor competence and performance of cognitive, emotional, and other psychological factors in children with DCD (over the short term only)
• The effects of motor skill interventions are more robust in interventions that use a larger training dose and a high frequency of practice. 

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