Impact of highly intensive functional balance training in children with developmental coordination disorder

Abstract Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (cDCD) face significant motor coordination challenges, impacting daily activities and participation. This study examined the effects of highly intensive, functional balance training across different levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in cDCD. Thirty-five cDCD (mean(SD) age: 8.7(1.7) years) participated in a pre-post design with a six-month non-training baseline, and a three-month follow-up. The 40-hour camp included individually tailored balance activities and self-identified goals. Outcomes across ICF levels were analyzed with linear mixed models. Satisfaction ( p <.001) and performance ( p <.001) of individual goals (ICF-participation) improved significantly immediately after intervention and at follow-up. Postural control (ICF-body function) improvement at the group level was only present on reactive postural adjustments three months after training ( p =.004). When individual postural control profiles were taken into account, response rates were significantly higher ( p =.044– p <.001). The intervention improved fundamental movement skills (FMS; ICF-activities) and self-perceived ‘Scholastic competence’ (ICF-internal factors) at follow-up (FMS: p <.001; scholastic competence: p =.002). In conclusion, effects were most pronounced at the activity and participation levels and more limited at the body function level and internal factors. Overall, highly intensive, tailored balance training can improve FMS, individual goals, and individual postural control profiles in cDCD.