Implementation of a strength training program for a 5-year-old child with poor body awareness and developmental coordination disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This case report describes how a strength (muscle force-generating capacity) training program was associated with changes in muscle strength, motor function, and proprioceptive position sense in a young child with poor body awareness and a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder.


METHODS
Assessment of a prekindergarten child referred for physical therapy because of behaviors compatible with poor body awareness revealed muscle weakness, poor performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and poor proprioception. Physical therapy testing done when the child was 5 years of age contributed to a pediatrician-assigned diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder. A 12-week strength training program was initiated.


RESULTS
Improvements were noted in muscle strength, gross motor function, and proprioception.


CONCLUSIONS
Research indicates that muscles provide information about joint position. Evidence suggests that muscle strength gains seen in children are the result of neuromuscular learning and neural adaptations; therefore, a structured strength training program may have contributed to proprioceptive changes in this child.
Kaufman
Linda B
LB
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. lbkauf@dreamscape.com
Schilling
Denise L
DL
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011434:Proprioception