Cardio respiratory fitness in children with developmental coordination disorder

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition in children, with motor coordination disabilities. Children with DCD not only exhibit poor motor coordination, but also experience poor performance in physical activities and are found to have poor physical fitness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cardio respiratory fitness in children with developmental coordination disorder. Materials and Methods: The materials used for the study were DCDQ’07 questionnaire, (Bruinink’s-Oseretsky Test-ed 2) BOT2 tool, (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ed-5) DSM-V diagnostic criteria, cones, 2 wooden blocks, measuring tape, stop watch. Twenty-six individuals were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria out of which only 24 children participated in the study. DCD children were screened using DCDQ’07questionnaire, BOT2 tool, DSM-V diagnostic criteria and the cardio respiratory fitness is evaluated using 20 m shuttle run test. Comparison of Cardio respiratory fitness was done between the children with DCD and children without DCD. Results: The results were determined by statistical analysis, following 20m shuttle run test. Our findings indicate, cardio-respiratory fitness in children with DCD was significantly less than their peers of same age without DCD and are more likely to be in a high-risk group. Conclusion: The current study supports lower cardio vascular fitness in children with DCD when compared to children without DCD, moreover no study has so far compared the Cardio respiratory fitness among DCD children and their normal peers.