Background:

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; 5-6% of children) form a large group at risk of a less active lifestyle, social isolation, obesity and mental health problems1-3 with a higher prevalence in boys (Boy:girl ratio of 4:1 to 7:10) 4. The relationship between movement skill in children with DCD and physical activity participation has not been established in a UK population. Mediating factors of generalised self efficacy and peer relations have been shown to influence physical activity in children with DCD in Canada and Australia respectively 1,5. Many of these children, due to their motor coordination difficulties, are unable to cycle or swim and thus may not be able to take advantage of government initiatives to boost fitness through school sport schemes. Furthermore, health fitness may be compromised in individuals with low motor competence3,6.

Reduced levels of physical activity participation in typically developing children are of a concern7,8 as well as considering the levels of physical activity energy expenditure during the day which contribute to overall health fitness9. Children with DCD may be at an additional, increased risk of reduced physical activity participation, in part due to a lack competence and confidence in their movement skill performance. This may contribute to exclusion by peers in PE and playground activities which results in social isolation, further reducing opportunities for exercise2,10-11. Lonliness and lowered life satisfaction of boys with DCD has been linked with reduced participation in team sports which may result in reduced participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity with incrased time engaged in activities with low levels of physical activity 5,12.

There is emerging evidence to suggest that children with DCD, particularly boys, may have a two-fold risk of obesity with 70% showing low cardio-vascular fitness1,3,6. Other studies have highlighted the social isolation experienced by these children along and additional risks of associated psychopathology 11,13. It is not known how these factors interact with a developmental history of poor movement skill to influence physical activity.

Current assessments and interventions for DCD tend to consider the short term amelioration of movement difficulties rather than participation and enjoyment in physical activities.

Dr Green is a post doctoral academic occupational theapist with a research interest in activity participation. This project will dovetail with the work of Dr Lingam and Professor Emond who have defined DCD within the ALSPACcohort and are looking at the long term psychosocial and health effects of this condition. ProfessorsNessand Riddoch have extensive research experience with ALSPAC exploring levels and patterns of physical activity and energy expenditure in children.

This study proposes to analyse data collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort study.It will analyse the relationship between movement difficulities at age 7 to 8 years with later activity participation at age 11 years, adjusting for other physical health, psychosocial indicators and potential confounding factors.