Foot posture index and body composition measures in children with and without developmental coordination disorder

Excessive body weight in developmental coordination disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence on the link between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and obesity and overweight is mixed. Based on a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023429432), we conducted the first systematic review/meta-analysis on the association between DCD and excessive weight. Web of Science, PubMed and an institutional database aggregator were searched until the 18th of December 2023. We assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and study heterogeneity using Q and I2 statistics. Data from 22 studies were combined, comprising 11,330 individuals out of which 1861 had DCD. The main analysis showed a significant association between DCD and higher body weight (OR:1.87, 95 % CI =1.43, 2.44). Meta-regression analyses indicated that the relationship was mediated by age, with stronger effects in studies with higher mean age (p 0.004). We conclude that DCD is associated with obesity and overweight, and this association increases with age. Our study could help to implement targeted prevention and intervention measures.

Anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics of Korean adults with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, is characterized by movement difficulties in individuals without discernible neurological disorders or identifiable medical conditions. Previous studies from various countries have highlighted disparities in anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics between children diagnosed with DCD and their typically developing (TD) peers. These differences are influenced by sociocultural norms and geographical locations. However, little attention has been given to scrutinizing analogous differences in adult populations, particularly within Republic of Korea. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by employing a battery of questionnaires to assess anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological traits in a cohort of 377 Korean adults, encompassing those with DCD (n = 54) alongside TD counterparts (n = 323). It was hypothesized that Korean adults with DCD would exhibit higher body mass index and lower ratings in physical activity and psychological characteristics than TD, consistent with the previous studies performed in other countries on children. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the DCD and TD groups in anthropometric characteristics such as weight (kg), height (cm), and body mass index. The prevalence of walking and biking for daily commuting in daily routines within Korean society might have contributed to the mitigation of anthropometric among individuals with/without DCD. Statistically significant differences were found in physical activity levels at work and recreational settings, as shown in physical activity scores and duration. The DCD group also displayed lower scores across several psychological characteristics, including exercise adherence, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, physical self-concept, exercise expectations, and intrinsic regulation. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating sociocultural dynamics when investigating anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics in adults with DCD. Their perceived difficulties in fine motor skills were also significantly poor than TD. Future research studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the observed patterns in this study, thus contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of how DCD manifests within specific sociocultural contexts.

Developmental Coordination Disorder and Unhealthy Weight Status in Taiwanese Children: The Roles of Sex and Age

This study aimed to provide up-to-date information regarding the estimated prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in Taiwanese children. Their unhealthy weight status was also examined, as well as the roles of sex and age. This cross-sectional study recruited 825 children aged between 4 and 12 years and categorized them into either typically developing children (TD, >16th percentile) or children at risk for DCD (rDCD, ≤16th percentile) based on the result of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition. Body mass index was calculated to determine weight status (i.e., normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obesity). The estimated prevalence of rDCD was 9.7%. There were significantly more boys in the rDCD groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, preschool children with rDCD were at greater risk for being underweight. However, there was no significant group difference which was found for overweight/obesity. A lower prevalence of rDCD was found in this study. Nevertheless, children with rDCD may be more likely to be underweight in early childhood. Early intervention should be provided to target this population.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)-Italian Version

Since foot posture is one of the main predictors of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, it is crucial to use appropriate tools to define the foot's posture. The Foot Posture Index is, therefore, a reliable method to measure foot posture and is widely known and used in clinics and research. This study aimed to translate the Foot Posture Index 6 (FPI6) into Italian and to assess its psychometric properties. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were obtained using a popular guideline. Two examinators assessed 68 subjects, and data were collected to test intra/inter-rater reliability, internal consistency and cross-cultural validity. The Italian version of FPI6 showed excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.96 and 0.97), and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.9, thus showing excellent internal consistency. The FPI-6 version has proved to be reliable in terms of inter- and intra-rater reliability and can, therefore, be used in clinical practice and scientific research.

DEVELOPMENT OF COORDINATION ABILITIES IN 6-10 YEARS OLD BOYS WITH POSTURAL DISORDERS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To develop, substantiate and experimentally test the methodology for the development of coordination abilities in 6-10 years old boys with postural disorders during their physical education training sessions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The experimental (EG) and the control groups (CG) were formed to organize the pedagogical experiment. The EG included 17 boys and the CG consisted of 19 boys. The EG was engaged in sports activities according the developed methodology and the CG followed the current school curricula on physical education.

RESULTS

Results: The methodology for the development of coordination abilities in 6-10 years old boys with postural disorders in the process of their physical education has been developed. Its peculiarity lies in the accentuated influence on the vestibular, motor and visual analyzers with the help of a system of exercises aimed at controlling movements in space in static positions and during movement.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The obtained results testify to the effectiveness of the developed methodology. The EG boys had significantly higher indicators of static balance and coordination abilities at body position change, as well as general coordination of movements (p ≤ 0.05) at the end of the academic year than those of the CG. In addition, the number of 6-10 years old boys with various postural disorders decreased by 7.4 % (from 26.8 % to 19.4 %).

Correction of Body Posture Disorders in Young Children of School Age in the Process of Physical Education Classes

Aim: To develop, substantiate and experimentally test the method of correction of body posture disorders in 6-10-years-old girls in the process of their coordination skills development. Materials and Methods: The research involved 138 girls including 40 girls who had various deviations in body posture development and 98 girls without body posture disorders. The experimental (EG) and the control group (CG) of 20 girls each were formed to organize the experiment. The EG was engaged according to the developed method of correction of body posture disorders, the CG – according to the current school curricula of physical education. Results: It was found that 29.0 % of primary high schoolers have various deviations in body posture development. Kyphotic body posture is observed in 80.6 % of cases and scoliotic body posture – in 19.4% of cases. The research determined the relationship between the level of coordination manifestation and the state of body posture in schoolers, in particular the presence of abnormalities in its development. The method of correction of body posture disorders in 6-10-years-old girls during physical education training sessions was developed. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate the effectiveness of the developed method. The EG girls revealed significantly better indicators of motion coordination and coordination skills when changing body position as well as static balance than the CG girls (p≤0.05). The number of girls with various deviations in body posture development decreased by 9.9%.