A Novel Balance Training Program for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a specific functional movement-power training (FMPT) program, a functional movement training (FMT) program and no training in the improvement of balance strategies, and neuromuscular performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It was a randomized, single-blinded, parallel group controlled trial.


METHODS
161 children with DCD (age: 6-10 years) were randomly assigned to the FMPT, FMT, or control groups. The 2 intervention groups received FMPT or FMT twice a week for 3 months. Measurements were taken before, after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention period. The primary outcomes were the composite score and strategy scores on the sensory organization test as measured by a computerized dynamic posturography machine. Secondary outcomes included the knee muscle peak force and the time taken to reach the peak force. The balance strategies adopted in sensory challenging environments of the FMPT participants showed greater improvement from baseline to posttest than those of the FMT participants (7.10 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-12.69; P = 0.008) and the control participants (7.59 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-13.38; P = 0.005). The FMPT participants also exhibited greater improvement from baseline to the posttest in the knee extensor peak force and time to peak force in the knee flexors. The FMPT program was more effective than the conventional FMT program in the enhancement of balance strategies and neuromuscular performance in children with DCD.
From the Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (SF, YC, TY, DM); Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (XG, WT); School of Science and Health (Occupational Therapy), University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia (KL); and Department of Health and Physical Education, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, Hong Kong (LC).
Shirley S M
SSM
Fong
X
X
Guo
Yoyo T Y
YTY
Cheng
Karen P Y
KPY
Liu
William W N
WWN
Tsang
Timothy T T
TTT
Yam
Louisa M Y
LMY
Chung
Duncan J
DJ
Macfarlane
D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome