Strength Training for a Child With Suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Improved function and significant gains in manual coordination were observed following blocked practice of isolated, simple joint movements during strength training. Improved motor skills may be because of effective use of feedforward control and improved stabilization. Strength training does not rehearse skills using momentum, explaining nonsignificant changes in locomotor or locomotion areas.

The effect of strength training based on process approach intervention on balance of children with developmental coordination disorder

“…The results showed that strength training program can increase muscle strength in DCD children. This finding was consistent with some previous researches on DCD 15,16 but was not consistent with reports of Menz et al 17 However, the child under study in the work of Menz et al, 17 was a 7-year-old girl who had apraxia, hypotonia and motor delay symptoms besides developmental coordination disorder. In addition, her training program was conducted with the use of machine weights strength training.…”

“…In addition, her training program was conducted with the use of machine weights strength training. So it can be said that the difference in the level and severity of disorders of subjects in these two studies and different models used in them are the main reasons of inconsistencies between present study and the one carried out by Menz et al 17 Strength development consists of the coordinated function of neural, muscular and metabolic systems. The adaptations occurred as the result of strength training and led to an increase in maximum strength including neural adaptations such as increasing motor unit recruitment, involving motor units in agonist muscles, more frequent stimulation of motor units, autogenic inhibition by Golgi tendon, increasing neuromuscular cooperation and muscular adaptations such as increased muscle crosssectional area and changes in muscle structure.…”

“…24 The strength training protocol emphasized strengthening the core muscles and lower limb muscles involved in static and dynamic balance included: leg abductors and adductors, knee flexor and extensors, abdominals, back extensors and plantar flexors. 17,25 Strength training program in which Thera-Band® elastic bands were used with the consideration of body weight in supine or prone positions 17 was chosen and programs including free weight training and weight machines were not applied (Figure 1). Table 1 outlines the structure and content of the strength training program.…”

“…14 Also some case studies found that strength training improved the muscle strength; gross motor function and proprioception, 15 motor functions 16 and performance of gross motor skills 17 of DCD children. But a series of studies had contradictory results; they reported no significant correlation between postural control and muscle strength and concluded that postural control and muscle strength are independent from each other.…”

Using a Multifaceted Approach to Working With Children Who Have Differences in Sensory Processing and Integration

“…Biomechanical approaches, therefore, may be incorporated as part of a multifaceted intervention plan to position the child during functional tasks or enhance client factors such as muscle strength, position sense, and endurance. For example, two case studies have demonstrated the benefits of a supervised strength-training intervention for children with DCD (Kaufman & Schilling, 2007;Menz, Hatten, & Grant-Beuttler, 2013). In both studies, strength training involved a high number of repetitions with low resistance, with a focus on proper positioning and technique during the exercises.…”