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New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

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A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensory and Motor Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 September 2023) | Viewed by 41457

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Akio Nakai

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The Center for the Study of Child Development, Graduate School of Clinical Education, Institute for Education, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya 663-8558, Japan
Interests: developmental coordination disorder (DCD); neurodevelopmental disorders; sleep disorders in childhood; child and adolescent psychiatry; special needs education
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Dear Colleagues,

DCD is one of neurodevelopmental disorders occurring in 5–6% of children, often comorbid with other neurodevelopmental disorders, and finally, the comorbidity with ASD being recognized in DSM-5.

In recent years, however, it has been suggested that DCD is not merely a comorbidity of these neurodevelopmental disorders, but that the development of coordination is an important foundation for the acquisition and development of social communication in ASD and executive function in ADHD. It has also been suggested that interventions in coordination can improve these core symptoms.

This Special Issue of Brain Sciences aims to present a collection of studies detailing the most recent advancements in the field of DCD research. Authors are invited to submit cutting-edge research and reviews addressing a broad range of topics related to DCD, including the following: epidemiology, screening, early diagnosis, comorbidities (including ADHD, Dyslexia, ASD, and Schizophrenia), brain imaging and other new technologies (e.g., eye-tracking, EEG, ECG, wearable sensors, VR, and robotic research), biomarkers, genetics, evidence-based intervention (including neuro-rehabilitation), sensory-motor experience from in utero to infant, and the transition to adolescence and adulthood. In particular, we aim to present advances in DCD research that may have a significant translational effect on the field of clinical services.

Prof. Dr. Akio Nakai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
neurodevelopmental disorders
autism
ASD
AD/HD
dyslexia
motor skills
comorbidity
intervention
neurorehabilitation
brain science
genetics
functional brain imaging
special needs education

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathogenetic Insights into Developmental Coordination Disorder Reveal Substantial Overlap with Movement Disorders

by Martinica Garofalo, Fleur Vansenne, Deborah A. Sival and Dineke S. Verbeek

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121625 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by non-progressive central motor impairments. Mild movement disorder features have been observed in DCD. Until now, the etiology of DCD has been unclear. Recent studies suggested a genetic substrate in some patients with DCD, but comprehensive knowledge about associated genes and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms is still lacking. In this study, we first identified genes described in the literature in patients with a diagnosis of DCD according to the official diagnostic criteria. Second, we exposed the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of DCD, by investigating tissue- and temporal gene expression patterns and brain-specific biological mechanisms. Third, we explored putative shared pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD and frequent movement disorders with a known genetic component, including ataxia, chorea, dystonia, and myoclonus. We identified 12 genes associated with DCD in the literature, which are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system throughout brain development. These genes are involved in cellular processes, neural signaling, and nervous system development. There was a remarkable overlap (62%) in pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD-associated genes and genes linked with movement disorders. Our findings suggest that some patients might have a genetic etiology of DCD, which could be considered part of a pathogenetic movement disorder spectrum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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14 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Intervention Effects on Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Traits

by Masanori Yasunaga, Hideki Miyaguchi, Chinami Ishizuki, Yosuke Kita and Akio Nakai

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050721 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4616

Abstract

Children with traits of developmental coordination disorder (DCD-t) may experience occupational performance problems that go unrecognized and therefore may not be adequately supported. The cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) approach has been effective in interventions for developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Based on an open-label, randomized controlled trial design, this study evaluated the effects of CO-OP on the occupational performance and motor skills of older kindergarten children with DCD-t using the School Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (S-AMPS) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition. Children with a total DCDQ score of less than 40 or M-ABC2 scores in the 5th to 16th percentile were considered to have DCD-t. Furthermore, children with DCD-t and S-AMPS process skills less than 0.7 were considered to have DAMP (Deficits in Attention, Motor control and Perception)-t. After 3 months of CO-OP intervention, the performance and motor skills of children with DCD-t improved significantly. However, there were no significant changes noted in the motor skills of children with DAMP-t, although their occupational performance improved. These results suggest that CO-OP is effective even for older kindergarten children with DCD-t. However, further improvement of the CO-OP approach or a different strategy is required for children with ADHD comorbidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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24 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensory Modulation in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Compared to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children

by Sofronia M Ringold, Riley W McGuire, Aditya Jayashankar, Emily Kilroy, Christiana D Butera, Laura Harrison, Sharon A Cermak and Lisa Aziz-Zadeh

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(9), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12091171 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5853

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is one of the least studied and understood developmental disorders. One area that has been minimally investigated in DCD is potential issues with sensory modulation. Further, in other neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD)) sensory modulation is related to many other challenges (e.g., social issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety); however, such potential relationships in children with DCD have been largely unexplored. The purpose of this study is to explore sensory modulation differences in DCD and to understand the relationships between sensory modulation and social emotional measures, behavior, and motor skills in DCD in comparison to ASD and typically developing (TD) peers. Participants (aged 8–17) and their caregivers (DCD, N = 26; ASD, N = 57; and TD, N = 53) completed behavioral and clinical measures. The results indicated that 31% of the DCD group showed sensory modulation difficulties, with the DCD group falling between the ASD and TD groups. In the DCD group, sensory modulation was significantly associated with anxiety, empathic concern, repetitive behaviors, and motor skills. Data are compared to patterns seen in ASD and TD groups and implications for interventions are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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11 pages, 1739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerebellar Differences after Rehabilitation in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

by Kamaldeep K. Gill, Donna Lang and Jill G. Zwicker

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(7), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12070856 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4921

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects a child’s ability to learn motor skills. Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is one of the recommended treatments to help achieve functional motor goals. The purpose of this study was to determine if CO-OP intervention induces functional improvements and structural changes in the cerebellum of children with DCD. Using a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of CO-OP intervention on cerebellar volume in 47 children with DCD (8–12 years old). Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS), and Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2. The SUIT toolbox was used to carry out voxel-based morphometry using T1-weighted MRI scans. Children with DCD showed improved motor outcomes and increased gray matter volume in the brainstem, right crus II, bilateral lobules VIIIb, and left lobule IX following CO-OP. Significant associations were found between PQRS scores and regional gray matter changes in the brainstem, right crus II, right lobule VIIb, right and left lobule VIIIb, and vermis IX. Given the improved motor and brain outcomes with CO-OP, it is recommended that children with DCD be referred for this rehabilitation intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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10 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between General Movements Assessment and Later Motor Delay (excluding Cerebral Palsy) in Low-Birth-Weight Infants

by Hirotaka Gima and Tomohiko Nakamura

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(6), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12060686 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4133

Abstract

The general movements (GMs) assessment is useful for the prediction of cerebral palsy (CP) and other developmental disorders. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is highly prevalent in low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. We investigated the association between aberrant GMs during early infancy and later motor development in LBW infants. The study included infants who fulfilled the following criteria: GMs assessed at 9–20 weeks post-term age; developmental quotient (DQ) assessed at 3 years of age using the Kyoto Scale; intelligence quotient (IQ) assessed at 6 years of age. Participants with normal IQs at 6 years of age without a diagnosis of CP (14 males and 37 females, 23–36 weeks gestation with birth weights of 492–1498 g) were categorized into normal (n = 39) and aberrant (n = 12) groups based on GMs assessment; DQ was compared between the groups. We investigated the items in the DQ assessment and found that the infants in the aberrant group were more frequently unable to perform. Infants in the aberrant group showed a significantly lower DQ in the ‘postural-motor domain’, and were more frequently unable to ‘climb the stairs with alternating legs’ and ‘Jump from a 15–20 cm platform’. This study highlights that GMs aberrancy in early infancy is associated with a delayed gross motor development, even in children with a typical development. The GMs assessment may be useful for the prediction of DCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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10 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Motor Coordination Ability, Cognitive Ability, and Academic Achievement in Japanese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

by Takuya Higashionna, Ryoichiro Iwanaga, Akiko Tokunaga, Akio Nakai, Koji Tanaka and Goro Tanaka

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(5), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12050674 - 21 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4423

Abstract

Motor coordination abilities are related to cognitive abilities and academic achievement in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the similarities and differences of these relationships in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor coordination abilities, cognitive abilities, and academic achievement in Japanese children with ASD and AD/HD. Participants included 20 children with ASD, 20 children with AD/HD, and 20 typically developing children, matched for age and gender. Their motor coordination abilities were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Furthermore, cognitive ability and academic achievement were assessed with the Kauffman Assessment Battery for Children-II (K-ABCII). Results demonstrated that the MABC-2 Total score significantly correlated with the K-ABCII Simultaneous processing, Planning, Total cognitive ability, Writing and Arithmetic scores in children with ASD. However, in children with AD/HD, there was no significant correlation between MABC-2 and K-ABCII subscale scores. The results of this study indicated that the relationship between motor coordination ability, cognitive ability, and academic achievement differs between ASD and AD/HD. This difference might indicate the non-similarity of neurological characteristics and encourage consideration for an approach that accommodates the features of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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11 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Instability during Precision Grip–Lift in Children with Poor Manual Dexterity

by Yuki Nishi, Satoshi Nobusako, Taeko Tsujimoto, Ayami Sakai, Akio Nakai and Shu Morioka

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12050598 - 4 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3080

Abstract

Although children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show impaired precision grip control due to a sensory-motor integration deficit, their spatial instability (such as changes in force direction and object roll during a precision grip task) is unclear. Herein, we investigated the spatial instability in the precision grip force control of children with poor manual dexterity. We divided 66 school-aged children who performed a precision gripping and lifting of heavy- or lightweight objects into those with low manual dexterity (n = 11) and those with high manual dexterity (n = 55) as revealed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition). The group and weight effects were then determined. The results revealed that the total trajectory lengths of the center of pressure (COP) were longer in the lightweight object data of the children in the low-manual-dexterity group and were related to the children’s grip force. The low-manual-dexterity group also showed a shifted COP position from the center of the object in the medial–lateral direction and in the object roll regardless of the object’s weight; these were closely related in both weights’ tests. These results demonstrated that children with poor manual dexterity show spatial instability and different adaptations to the weight of objects during a precision grip task. Further studies are needed to determine whether these findings would be replicated in children with a diagnosis of DCD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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Review

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14 pages, 580 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Genetics and Epigenetics of Developmental Coordination Disorder in Children

by Haizhen You, Junyao Shi, Fangfang Huang, Zhiyun Wei, Gary Jones, Wenchong Du and Jing Hua

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(6), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13060940 - 11 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3956

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired motor coordination, often co-occurring with attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and other psychological and behavioural conditions. The aetiology of DCD is believed to involve brain changes and environmental factors, with genetics also playing a role in its pathogenesis. Recent research has identified several candidate genes and genetic factors associated with motor impairment, including deletions, copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and epigenetic modifications. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge in genetic research on DCD, highlighting the importance of continued research into the underlying genetic mechanisms. While evidence suggests a genetic contribution to DCD, the evidence is still in its early stages, and much of the current evidence is based on studies of co-occurring conditions. Further research to better understand the genetic basis of DCD could have important implications for diagnosis, treatment, and our understanding of the condition’s aetiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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19 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessReview

Auditory–Perceptual and Auditory–Motor Timing Abilities in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Scoping Review

by Marija Pranjić, Niloufaralsadat Hashemi, Anne B. Arnett and Michael H. Thaut

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050729 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3514

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) remains largely underdiagnosed and masked by other co-occurring conditions. The aim of this study was to (1) provide the first review of research regarding auditory–motor timing and synchronization abilities in children with DCD and (2) examine whether reduced motor performance may be associated with difficulties in auditory perceptual timing. The scoping review was carried out across five major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies were screened by two independent reviewers against the inclusion criteria, without publication date restrictions. From an initial return of 1673 records, 16 articles were included in the final review and synthesized based on the timing modality studied (i.e., auditory–perceptual, motor, or auditory–motor). Results suggest that children with DCD have difficulties with rhythmic movements both with and without external auditory cues and further indicate that variability in and slowness of motor response are key characteristics of DCD, regardless of the experimental task. Importantly, our review highlights a significant gap in the literature regarding auditory perceptual abilities in DCD. In addition to testing auditory perception, future studies should compare the performance of children with DCD on paced and unpaced tasks to determine whether auditory stimuli contribute to a more or less stable performance. This knowledge may inform future therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD))

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