Relationship between motor competence and physical activity among children aged 3-6 years at risk for developmental coordination disorder.

Background: To date, it remains unclear whether young children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) develop deficits in physical activity participation, and the relationship between motor competence (MC) and physical activity (PA) in these children.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of MC and PA in young children at risk for DCD (rDCD) and to explore the relationship between these two aspects.

Methods: A total of 124 children with rDCD and 124 typically developing (TD) children aged 3-6 years were selected. Each group included 85 boys and 39 girls. MC was evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the Test of Gross Motor Development-third edition. PA was assessed using the Questionnaire of Parents of Physical Activities of Young Children. MC variables were manual dexterity, aiming and catching, balance, and locomotor skills. PA variables were total PA (TPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB).

Results: Children with rDCD had significantly lower scores in manual dexterity, aiming and catching, balance, and locomotor skills compared with TD children (P < 0.05). There was no difference in TPA, MVPA and SB between children with rDCD and TD overall (P > 0.05). Balance, aiming and catching, and locomotor skills in children with rDCD were weakly positively correlated with MVPA (r = 0.197-0.347, P < 0.05). Balance, aiming and catching, and locomotor skills in children with rDCD significantly predicted MVPA (β= 0.219-0.342, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Young children at risk for DCD do not yet show deficits in physical activity participation. It is still important to develop motor competence in young children at risk for DCD, as this may help them sustain participation in physical activity and avoid early withdrawal.