Effects of a highly intensive balance therapy camp in children with developmental coordination disorder - An intervention protocol

Abstract

Background: Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often (<87 %) experience postural control problems, impacting all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) including their daily participation, self-esteem and mental health. Due to the multisystemic nature of postural control, comprehensive therapy should target all systems which is currently not the case. Highly intensive therapy is effective and commonly used in pediatric populations, but has not been explored yet to train postural control in children with DCD.

Aims: To investigate the effects of a highly intensive functional balance therapy camp at all ICF levels in children with DCD.

Methods and procedures: The effects on postural control, muscle activity, brain alterations, self-perceived competence, self-identified goals, gross motor activities and participation are evaluated. Participants are assessed pre- and post-intervention, including a 3 months follow-up. Forty-eight children with DCD, aged 6-12 years old, receive 40 h of comprehensive balance training. This intervention is fun, individually tailored, targets all postural control systems, implements different motor learning strategies and includes both individual and group activities.

Conclusion: Novel insights into the effects of a highly intensive comprehensive balance therapy camp designed for children with DCD will be gained at all levels of the ICF.

Keywords: Balance; DCD; Developmental Coordination Disorder; Dyspraxia; Functional therapy; Highly intensive therapy; Individual therapy; Motor learning; Pediatrics; Postural balance; Postural control; Rehabilitation.