Poorly coordinated children: a survey of 95 cases.
Screening of 717 5-year-olds and 757 7-year-olds, found 55 of the former and 77 of the latter possibly to be poorly coordinated. Further diagnostic testing with the McCarthy Motor Scales confirmed the problem in a total of 95 children, a prevalence of 6.4%. Neurological examination showed 43% of the 5-year-olds and 21% of the 7-year-olds to have choreiform movements. Of the total 95, proprioception was abnormal in 40%, but abnormal muscle tone present in only 4%. An increased prevalence of hearing loss and obesity and a history of developmental delays was found. Low birth weights, prematurity, post-maturity and perinatal problems were significantly associated with poor coordination. Socioeconomic status was not a significant factor. The difficulties of testing and measuring poor coordination and the need for more precise measures are discussed. Follow-up of at risk children at age 5 with tests of motor coordination is recommended.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002819:Chorea / Q000453:epidemiology; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011434:Proprioception; D011597:Psychomotor Performance