Underlying processes for problems in manual skills in children with developmental coordination disorder

Abstract

The present study investigates the underlying processes for problems in manual skills in children with DCD compared to typically developing (TD) children. Eighteen participants between six and 10 years old were recruited, including 10 children with DCD and eight age-and sex matched TD children. Four assessments were performed to examine the different aspects of manual function: the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2), the tyneside pegboard test, an experimental action observation test (AOT) and an experimental imitation test. In conclusion, children with DCD experienced difficulties in all tasks measuring manual function in comparison to TD children. Children with DCD presented with less accurate movements, decreased ability to perform dual tasks and problems with both imitation and action observation.