Enhancing Motor Performance and Physical Fitness in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Through Fundamental Motor Skills Exercise

<b>Background:</b> A lack of evidence exists regarding the effects intervention has on the motor performance, including the timing ability and health-related physical fitness, of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). <b>Objectives:</b> We aimed to assess the effects of school-based intervention that improves fundamental motor skills (FMS) on the motor performance and health-related physical fitness of children with DCD. <b>Methods:</b> The participants were 55 children (age 8-9 years) with DCD. Children with DCD were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 27) or control group (<i>n</i> = 28). The intervention group participated in FMS training. The control group participated in a conventional physical education class. Motor performance was evaluated before and after the intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development, second edition; Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition; and the Interactive Metronome. Health-related physical fitness was assessed using the physical activity promotion system. <b>Results:</b> A significant difference was observed when we considered the interaction effect of the intervention and time regarding motor performance and health-related physical fitness; however, no significant difference was observed regarding body composition. <b>Conclusions:</b> the intervention showed significant improvements in the parameters evaluated, suggesting that a school-based intervention to improve FMS may effectively improve the motor performance and health-related physical fitness of children with DCD.