Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the difference in objectively measured physical activities (PAs) between children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Data Sources

A systematic literature search of 4 databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane library) was conducted in July 2023.

Study Selection

Studies that met the following criteria were considered classified children with DCD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), DSM-IV-Text Revision, or DSM-V diagnosis criteria, evaluated PA using objective measurements and provided the amount of time spent in PA and/or sedentary behavior, included a control group of typically developing children, and written in English.

Data Extraction

Data extracted from all included studies were: first author's surname and publication year, study design, country, total sample size, the measure of PA, the intensity of PA, categories of PA level, and main finding(s).

Data Synthesis

Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, 10 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The overall mean difference in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) between 2 groups was −0.17 (95% CI, −0.25 to −0.09), (I²=48.7%, P=.029). A subgroup analysis by age (ie, school-aged vs. preschool) showed a significant pooled effect size with no heterogeneity in school-aged children (ie, 6-14y) (standardized mean difference=−0.27, 95% CI, −0.38 to −0.16, I²=43.1%, P=.08).

Conclusions

Children with DCD spent significantly less time participating in MVPA, particularly those aged between 6 and 14 years. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness among parents and physicians regarding insufficient participation in PA among children with DCD.