1
|
Meachon EJ. Perspective: Acknowledging complexity to advance the understanding of developmental coordination disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 16:1082209. [PMID: 36684831 PMCID: PMC9859625 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1082209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder known for primary symptoms of motor learning and execution difficulties. Recent research has consistently suggested DCD symptoms span broadly beyond motor difficulties, yet a majority of research and practice approaches the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of DCD with a reductionist framework. Therefore, this paper suggests the paradigm of complexity theory as a means for better conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of DCD. First, the perspective of complexity theory and its relevance to DCD is described. Then, examples from recent research which attempt to acknowledge and capture the complex nature of DCD are highlighted. Finally, suggestions for considering and measuring complexity of DCD in future research and practice are provided. Overall, the perspective of complexity can propel the research forward and improve the understanding of DCD relevant to assessment and treatment. The complexity paradigm is highly relevant to describing the evolving and multidimensional picture of DCD, understanding heterogeneous symptom profiles, making connections to interconnected secondary symptoms, and beyond.
Collapse
|
2
|
Meachon EJ, Beitz C, Zemp M, Wilmut K, Alpers GW. The adult developmental coordination disorders/dyspraxia checklist - German: adapted factor structure for the differentiation of DCD and ADHD. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 126:104254. [PMID: 35550942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Adult Dyspraxia/DCD Checklist (ADC) is the only existing self-report questionnaire to screen adults for potential Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). It was developed in English and Hebrew, however, its factor structure has not yet been assessed. AIMS The goals of the current study were to (1) develop and refine a German translation, (2) explore the emerging factors in a new and restructured ADC in German and apply this structure to an English ADC, and (3) explore its potential for distinguishing DCD versus ADHD. METHOD In a series of three studies, we assessed comprehensibility of the translation and revisions to the questionnaire. We further examined subscale structure in a sample of N = 148 individuals with DCD or ADHD and retested it in an English-speaking sample (N = 134). RESULTS Overall, we found decent reliability and construct validity for the German ADC. Three components emerged with themes of fine motor coordination, gross motor coordination, and executive functions which had strong psychometric properties in German and English. CONCLUSIONS The studies collectively highlight the German translation is effective and has strong potential to differentiate DCD and ADHD. Most notably, there are unique symptom profiles in motor and executive functioning difficulties in adults with DCD or ADHD. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS?: The translation and preliminary validation of the German ADC in this study has the potential to screen for probable DCD in German-speaking adults for the first time. In addition, the new subscale structure can be generalized to the English version as well and allows for the potential assessment of several key symptomatic patterns in the realms of gross motor, fine motor, and executive functioning skills that differ between adults with DCD and ADHD. These differences were fairly consistent between English- and German-speaking samples, indicating potential for more widespread assessment and differentiation of DCD and ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Meachon
- University of Mannheim, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Germany.
| | - Clara Beitz
- University of Mannheim, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Germany
| | - Martina Zemp
- University of Mannheim, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Germany; University of Vienna, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Austria
| | - Kate Wilmut
- Oxford Brookes University, Department of Psychology, Health and Professional Development, UK
| | - Georg W Alpers
- University of Mannheim, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meachon EJ, Zemp M, Alpers GW. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): Relevance for Clinical Psychologists in Europe. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2022; 4:e4165. [PMID: 36397944 PMCID: PMC9667416 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.4165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by fine and gross motor coordination difficulties. Yet, many aspects remain unclear regarding the clinical presentation of secondary symptoms and their implications for Clinical Psychology. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide an update about the current understanding of DCD for clinical psychologists and psychotherapists across Europe, particularly based on new insights stemming from the last decade of research. Method We provide a narrative review of articles published in the last decade on the topic of DCD, and relevant aspects to clinical psychologist, including lesser known aspects of DCD (e.g., executive functions, psychological consequences, and adult DCD). Results DCD is a highly prevalent, disruptive, and complex disorder, which should be investigated further in many areas (e.g., co-occurrence to ADHD). Existing evidence points toward a key role of executive functioning difficulties at all ages. Most patients report secondary psychological problems, but little headway has been made in examining the effectiveness of psychotherapy for DCD. Conclusions Insights and remaining research gaps are discussed. It is critical for psychologists and clinical researchers to raise awareness for DCD, take note of the growing literature, and foster continued interdisciplinary approaches to research and treatment of DCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Meachon
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martina Zemp
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg W. Alpers
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barhoun P, Fuelscher I, Do M, He JL, Bekkali S, Cerins A, Youssef GJ, Williams J, Enticott PG, Hyde C. Mental rotation performance in young adults with and without developmental coordination disorder. Hum Mov Sci 2021; 77:102787. [PMID: 33798929 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2021.102787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While there have been consistent behavioural reports of atypical hand rotation task (HRT) performance in adults with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), this study aimed to clarify whether this deficit could be attributed to specific difficulties in motor imagery (MI), as opposed to broad deficits in general mental rotation. Participants were 57 young adults aged 18-30 years with (n = 22) and without DCD (n = 35). Participants were compared on the HRT, a measure of MI, and the letter number rotation task (LNRT), a common visual imagery task. Only participants whose behavioural performance on the HRT suggested use of a MI strategy were included in group comparisons. Young adults with DCD were significantly less efficient compared to controls when completing the HRT yet showed comparable performance on the LNRT relative to adults with typical motor ability. Our data are consistent with the view that atypical HRT performance in adults with DCD is likely to be attributed to specific difficulties engaging in MI, as opposed to deficits in general mental rotation. Based on the theory that MI provides insight into the integrity of internal action representations, these findings offer further support for the internal modelling deficit hypothesis of DCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Barhoun
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Ian Fuelscher
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Do
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Soukayna Bekkali
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Andris Cerins
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - George J Youssef
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Williams
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Christian Hyde
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ray-Kaeser S, Thommen E, Martini R, Jover M, Gurtner B, Bertrand AM. Psychometric assessment of the French European Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ-FE). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217280. [PMID: 31120966 PMCID: PMC6532915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire'07 (DCDQ'07) is a parent-report measure to identify children at risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). We developed a French version of the DCDQ'07 (DCDQ-FE) that has shown excellent inter-language reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.91) and is culturally relevant for use in European countries. The aims of this study were to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-French European (DCDQ-FE), as well as establish a cut-off score. METHODS The psychometric properties of the DCDQ-FE were examined with a clinical group of 30 children (mean age: 9.4 years, SD = 2.6) and a control group of 43 children (mean age: 9.1 years, SD = 2.4). Their parents (n = 73) filled out the DCDQ-FE at a first sitting and 70 of them filled it out 38 days later in average for test-retest reliability. The children were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) so as to measure the convergent validity of the DCDQ-FE. The cut-off score was determined with an additional sample of 42 children according to scores on the MABC-2 (≥ 16th percentile) (n = 115). RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS Internal consistency of the DCDQ-FE was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) and test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.956) with no differences between scores obtained at the two sittings (p > 0.05). Differences in scores between children in the clinical and control groups (Z = -6.58, p < 0.001) provide evidence of construct validity. The correlation obtained between DCDQ-FE and MABC-2 scores (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient = 0.802, p < 0.001) supports convergent validity. Using a cut-off of 56, overall sensitivity and specificity were 85.0% and 81.6% respectively (area under the curve = 0.896). The DCDQ-FE is a reliable and valid questionnaire for detecting children who are at risk for DCD in a European-French population of children aged 5 to 15 years old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Ray-Kaeser
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Social Work & Health Sciences, EESP, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Thommen
- Department of Social Work, School of Social Work & Health Sciences, EESP, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rose Martini
- Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Jover
- Aix Marseille University, PSYCLE, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Basilie Gurtner
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Social Work & Health Sciences, EESP, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Martine Bertrand
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Social Work & Health Sciences, EESP, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niklasson M, Rasmussen P, Niklasson I, Norlander T. Developmental Coordination Disorder: The Importance of Grounded Assessments and Interventions. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2409. [PMID: 30564173 PMCID: PMC6288430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This focused review is based on earlier studies which have shown that both children and adults diagnosed as having developmental coordination disorder (DCD), benefited from sensorimotor therapy according to the method Retraining for Balance (RB). Different approaches and assessments for children and adults in regard to DCD are scrutinized and discussed in comparison to RB which mainly includes (a) vestibular assessment and stimulation (b) assessment and integration of aberrant primary reflexes and (c) assessment and stimulation of auditory and visual perception. Earlier results indicate that the process of Sensorimotor therapy using RB techniques could be described according to a conceptual Kinesthetic-Vestibular Developmental Model (KVDM) whereby the training elicited temporary physical and psychological regressions followed by transformations i.e., positive physical and psychological development. We have also seen that this recurring pattern is similar for children and adults. In our conceptual model vestibular stimulation (perceptual priming) stimulates the nervous system, which might enhance object-related priming. This perceptual priming will also assist the suppression of persistent aberrant primary reflexes. In order to develop effective methods for assessment and intervention of DCD over the life span the importance of primary reflex inhibition and vestibular stimulation as well as a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches have to be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Niklasson
- Center for Research and Development, Evidens University College, Göteborg, Sweden
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Vestibularis Clinic, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Peder Rasmussen
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Vestibularis Clinic, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Institute of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Irene Niklasson
- Center for Research and Development, Evidens University College, Göteborg, Sweden
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Vestibularis Clinic, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Torsten Norlander
- Center for Research and Development, Evidens University College, Göteborg, Sweden
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Vestibularis Clinic, Kalmar, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hyde C, Fuelscher I, Williams J, Lum JAG, He J, Barhoun P, Enticott PG. Corticospinal excitability during motor imagery is reduced in young adults with developmental coordination disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 72:214-224. [PMID: 29195158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
While a compelling body of behavioral research suggests that individuals with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experience difficulties engaging motor imagery (MI), very little is known about the neural correlates of this deficit. Since corticospinal excitability is a predictor of MI proficiency in healthy adults, we reasoned that decreased MI efficiency in DCD may be paralleled by atypical primary motor cortex (PMC) activity. Participants were 29 young adults aged 18- 36 years: 8 with DCD (DCD) and 21 controls. Six participants with DCD and 15 controls showed behavioral profiles consistent with the use of a MI strategy (MI users) while performing a novel adaptation of the classic hand laterality task (HLT). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was administered to the hand node of the left PMC (hPMC) at 50ms, 400ms or 650ms post stimulus presentation during the HLT. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) via electromyography. As predicted, MI users with DCD were significantly less efficient than MI using controls, shown by poorer performance on the HLT. Importantly, unlike healthy controls, no evidence of enhanced hPMC activity during MI was detected in our DCD group. Our data are consistent with the view that inefficient MI in DCD may be subserved by decreased hPMC activity. These findings are an important step towards clarifying the neuro-cognitive correlates of poor MI ability and motor skill in individuals with DCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Hyde
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - I Fuelscher
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - J Williams
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J A G Lum
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - J He
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - P Barhoun
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - P G Enticott
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mancini VO, Rigoli D, Roberts LD, Heritage B, Piek JP. The relationship between motor skills and psychosocial factors in young children: A test of the elaborated environmental stress hypothesis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 88:363-379. [PMID: 28884809 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elaborated environmental stress hypothesis (EESH) provides a framework that describes how motor skills may indirectly cause internalizing problems through various mediating psychosocial factors. While there is evidence to support this framework, little is known about how the proposed relationships may vary across different stages of development. AIMS This study aimed to investigate whether peer problems and perceived self-competence mediated the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems in pre-primary children, and at 18-month follow up. SAMPLE A community sample of 197 pre-primary school children (M = 5.40 years, SD = 0.30 years; 102 males, 95 females) participated at Time 1, with 107 completing the Time 2 follow-up. METHODS Standardized instruments were used to measure motor skills and verbal IQ. Perceived self-competence was measured using a self-report measure. Participant peer problems and internalizing problems were measured using teacher report. Age, gender, and verbal IQ were included as covariates. RESULTS Mediation analysis using PROCESS showed that the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems was mediated by peer problems at Time 1. At Time 2, the relationship was mediated by peer problems and perceived physical competence. CONCLUSIONS The current results indicate the EESH may function differently across different periods of development. The transition from pre-primary to Grade 1 represents a time of important cognitive and psychosocial development, which has implications for how the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems can be understood. These findings highlight potential age-appropriate targets for psychomotor interventions aiming to improve the emotional well-being of young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent O Mancini
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Daniela Rigoli
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lynne D Roberts
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brody Heritage
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jan P Piek
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lucas BR, Doney R, Latimer J, Watkins RE, Tsang TW, Hawkes G, Fitzpatrick JP, Oscar J, Carter M, Elliott EJ. Impairment of motor skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016; 35:719-727. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara R. Lucas
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Physiotherapy Department; Royal North Shore Hospital; Sydney Australia
| | - Robyn Doney
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | - Rochelle E. Watkins
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia; Perth Australia
| | - Tracey W. Tsang
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
| | - Genevieve Hawkes
- Derby Allied Health Service; Western Australian Country Health Services; Derby Australia
| | - James P. Fitzpatrick
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia; Perth Australia
| | - June Oscar
- Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre; Fitzroy Crossing Australia
- University of Notre Dame; Broome Australia
| | - Maureen Carter
- Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services; Fitzroy Crossing Australia
| | - Elizabeth J. Elliott
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health; The University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Clinical School; Sydney Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- The Sydney Children's Hospital Networks (Westmead); Sydney Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wiggs L, Sparrowhawk M, Barnett AL. Parent Report and Actigraphically Defined Sleep in Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder; Links with Fatigue and Sleepiness. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:81. [PMID: 27540540 PMCID: PMC4973273 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired sleep is associated with negative effects on quality of life and daytime functioning. Higher rates of sleep disturbance are reported in children with various developmental disorders. However, little is known about sleep in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a condition characterized by everyday movement difficulties. Previously, in a preliminary study, we found higher rates of parent-reported sleep disturbance in children with DCD compared to controls. AIMS To examine sleep in DCD using objective measures and to examine links with daytime fatigue and sleepiness. METHODS Two groups (primary and secondary school-aged) of 15 children with DCD, plus matched controls, participated. Parent-reported child sleep was assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and actigraphy provided an objective measure of sleep-wake patterns over 1 week (including weekdays and weekend). Pediatric restless legs syndrome (RLS) semi-structured diagnostic interview was conducted with each child and parent to capture symptoms of RLS. Aspects of self-rated child functioning were assessed with questionnaires (Pre-sleep Arousal Scale, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale) and mothers' reported thoughts about child sleep with the Maternal Cognitions about Infant Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS The DCD groups had greater parent-reported sleep disturbance. Actigraphy results suggested that for secondary aged children with DCD their sleep quality was impaired and there were differences in the timing of sleep compared to controls (including some differences in the variation between weekday and weekend sleep times). The actigraphy of the primary age group with DCD was unremarkable compared to controls. No child in the study met the criteria for RLS. Exploratory analyses suggested that daytime fatigue, aspects of pre-sleep arousal, and daytime sleepiness were reported as greater in the DCD groups and were particularly related to objective sleep parameters in the DCD groups. Maternal thoughts about sleep did not differ between the DCD and control groups. CONCLUSION The nature and underlying cause of sleep disturbance and how it might be linked with aspects of daytime functioning in adolescents with DCD requires further research. Meanwhile, clinical awareness of the risk of atypical sleep patterns/sleep problems in DCD is important to ensure early identification and implementation of appropriate support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luci Wiggs
- Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , UK
| | - Masako Sparrowhawk
- Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , UK
| | - Anna L Barnett
- Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University , Oxford , UK
| |
Collapse
|