The characteristics of children with developmental coordination disorder and the effects of exercise intervention

Abstract

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have difficulties with physical activity as they lack in motor ability and tend to avoid or limit participation in physical activity due to accumulated negative experiences from previous physical activity participation. This is a significant issue in that physical inactivity of children with DCD may lead to physical fitness issues such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease or emotional and behavioral difficulties. Furthermore, children with DCD have difficulties in daily life that affect overall school life such as personal relationships, academic performance, etc. However, studies on DCD in South Korea are very limited. Thus, there is little evidence concerning characteristics and conditions of Korean children with DCD. Therefore, this dissertation aims to identify the feasibility of a translated DCD classification instrument to identify the characteristics of Korean children with DCD and the effect of exercise intervention and to suggest a program that may be practicable in practice. This dissertation specified these goals into three themes for the purpose: 1) Adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Korean version of Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 (DCDQ-K), 2) Investigation of the difference in emotional and behavioral problems between children with DCD and typically developed children, and 3) A study on the effect of fundamental motor skill-based excise program on motor performance and timing ability of children with DCD. Results of this dissertation are as follows: first, Korean version DCDQ was completed using a systematic process. It has been identified that DCDQ-K is an applicable instrument to classify children with DCD. Second, children with DCD are at higher risk for internalizing problems, inattention/ hyperactivity, emotional symptoms index, and personal adjustment related scale compared to typically developed children. Third, children with DCD show lower health-related physical fitness, motor performance, and timing ability compared to typically developed children. It has been identified that these difficulties were improved through the 12-week fundamental motor skill-based exercise program. According to the results presented in this dissertation and previous literatures, the overall conclusions and suggestions are as follows: emotional and behavioral problems as well as motor performance problems were identified among children with DCD in South Korea. The 12-week fundamental motor skill-based exercise program, designed as exercise intervention program to reduce these difficulties, was proved as effective. However, there is still a lack of applicable instruments available for early identification of children with DCD in South Korea. Thus, it is suggested to develop possible solution for early identification of children with DCD in South Korea.