Effects of group-based versus individual-based exercise training on motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of group-based and individual-based motor skill training on motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder.


METHODS
Randomized controlled pilot intervention study.


METHODS
Twenty-three children (4 girls) with developmental coordination disorder (mean age (standard deviation (SD)) 8 years (1 year and 2 months)).


METHODS
Twelve children were randomly assigned to undergo a motor training programme once a week for 8 consecutive weeks in a group setting, and 11 children received the same training on an individual basis during the same period. Each child was also instructed to perform home exercises on a daily basis. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) was used to assess motor ability. Home exercise compliance and parental satisfaction with the programmes were also evaluated.


RESULTS
A significant reduction in the MABC total impairment score was found following both group-based (mean -4.4 (SD 5.0), p = 0.003) and individual-based training (mean -5.2 (SD 5.1), p = 0.016). However, the change in total impairment score did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (p = 0.379). There was similarly no significant between-group difference in home exercise compliance (p = 0.288) and parental satisfaction (p = 0.379).


CONCLUSIONS
Group-based training produced similar gains in motor performance to individual-based training. Group-based training may be the preferred treatment option due to the associated cost savings.
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Winnie W Y
WW
Hung
Marco Y C
MY
Pang
D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010290:Parents; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome