title: Core stability exercise is as effective as task-oriented motor training in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness of a core stability program with a task-oriented motor training program in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled pilot trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatient unit in a hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two children diagnosed with DCD aged 6-9 years were randomly allocated to the core stability program or the task-oriented motor program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both groups underwent their respective face-to-face training session once per week for eight consecutive weeks. They were also instructed to carry out home exercises on a daily basis during the intervention period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Second Edition) and Sensory Organization Test at pre- and post-intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the change of motor proficiency standard score (P=0.717), and composite equilibrium score derived from the Sensory Organization Test (P=0.100). Further analysis showed significant improvement in motor proficiency in both the core stability (mean change (SD)=6.3(5.4); p=0.008) and task-oriented training groups (mean change(SD)=5.1(4.0); P=0.007). The composite equilibrium score was significantly increased in the task-oriented training group (mean change (SD)=6.0(5.5); P=0.009), but not in the core stability group (mean change(SD) =0.0(9.6); P=0.812). In the task-oriented training group, compliance with the home program was positively correlated with change in motor proficiency (ρ=0.680, P=0.030) and composite equilibrium score (ρ=0.638, P=0.047).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The core stability exercise program is as effective as task-oriented training in improving motor proficiency among children with DCD.
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Mei K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Au
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Wai M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Tracy Mk
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Rosanna Mw
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China Marco.Pang@polyu.edu.hk.
authors.forename: Marco Yc
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Pang
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: DCD; Task oriented practice; core stability training; developmental coordination disorder