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McWhirter K, Steel A, Adams J. The association between learning disorders, motor function, and primitive reflexes in pre-school children: A systematic review. J Child Health Care 2024; 28:402-428. [PMID: 35830652 DOI: 10.1177/13674935221114187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically review evidence of the association between learning disorders, motor function, and primitive reflexes in preschool children. Seven databases were systematically searched (EMBASE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Medline, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane) with no restrictions. Inclusion criteria were full text peer-reviewed articles reporting new empirical data, assessing any two of three phenomena in preschool children: learning disorders, motor function, or primitive reflexes. Intervention studies or studies examining congenital, chromosomal or acquired neurological, or pathological conditions and prematurity were excluded. Included papers (n = 27) were assessed for methodological quality by the Hoy et al. Risk of bias tool. Learning and motor function were assessed in all except two articles and motor deficits found to be associated with speech/language and executive function as well as several areas of academic performance. Three studies included primitive reflexes, with high levels of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex positively correlated with fine motor skills, "school readiness" and "impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention." Caution must be used when interpreting the review results due to significant study heterogeneity. Further research is needed to further understand common underlying mechanisms that may inform earlier diagnostic methods for these three phenomena. PROSPERO: CRD42021265793.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie McWhirter
- Australian research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Australian research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Australian research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), University of Technology sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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Gao J, Song W, Zhong Y, Huang D, Wang J, Zhang A, Ke X. Children with developmental coordination disorders: a review of approaches to assessment and intervention. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1359955. [PMID: 38846037 PMCID: PMC11153681 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1359955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in motor skills, with gross and fine motor dysfunction being the main symptom. This condition greatly impairs children's daily life, learning, and social interaction. Symptoms typically appear during preschool or school age, and if left untreated, they can persist into adulthood. Thus, early assessment and intervention are crucial to improve the prognosis. This study aims to review the existing literature on DCD, providing a comprehensive overview of the assessment for children with DCD in terms of body functions and structures, activities and participation, and environmental factors within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health - Children and Youth (ICF-CY). Additionally, specific rehabilitation interventions will be described, offering valuable insights for the clinical assessment and intervention of children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Gao
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dunbing Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anren Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Ke
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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León-Bravo G, Cantarero-Carmona I, Caballero-Villarraso J. Prevalence of Active Primitive Reflexes and Craniosacral Blocks in Apparently Healthy Children and Relationships with Neurodevelopment Disturbances. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1014. [PMID: 37371246 DOI: 10.3390/children10061014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In healthy children, the frequency of the anomalous persistence of primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) is unknown, as well as their impact on neurodevelopment, behaviour disorders and related consequences. We aim to know the prevalence of anomalous PRs and CBs in apparently healthy children and their relationships with behavior and neurodevelopment anomalies. METHODS Participants (n = 120) were evaluated via a physical examination to detect PRs and CBs and an ad hoc parent survey to collect perinatal events, and children's behavioral assessments were conducted by teachers using the Battelle score. RESULTS PRs were present in 89.5%. Moro (70.8%), cervical asymmetric (78.3%) and cervical symmetric PRs (67.5%) were the most frequently observed PRs. CBs were found in 83.2%, and the most frequent CBs were dura mater (77.5%) and sphenoid bone (70%) blocks. Moro, cervical asymmetric and cervical symmetric active primitive reflexes were significantly associated with cranial blocks of dura mater, parietal zones and sphenoid bone sway. Gestational disorders or perinatal complications were associated with a higher frequency of PRs and CBs. The presence of PRs and CBs was associated with abnormal Battelle scores and neurobehavioral problems. CONCLUSION The presence of PRs and CBs in children without diagnosed diseases is frequent and related to disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema León-Bravo
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba,14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Irene Cantarero-Carmona
- Department of Morphological and Sociosanitary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Villarraso
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & UGC Clinical Analyses, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Niklasson M, Norlander T, Niklasson I, Rasmussen P. Catching-up: Children with developmental coordination disorder compared to healthy children before and after sensorimotor therapy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186126. [PMID: 29020061 PMCID: PMC5636139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to (a) compare healthy children in terms of sensorimotor maturity to untreated children diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and (b) compare healthy children to diagnosed children following completed treatment with sensorimotor therapy. Participants were 298 children, 196 boys and 102 girls, distributed into a Norm group of healthy children (n = 99) and a group of children diagnosed with DCD (n = 199) with a total mean age of 8.77 years (SD = 2.88). Participants in both groups were assessed on instruments aimed to detect sensorimotor deviations. The children in the DCD group completed, during on average 36 months, sensorimotor therapy which comprised stereotypical fetal- and infant movements, vestibular stimulation, tactile stimulation, auditory stimulation, complementary play exercises, gross motor milestones, and sports-related gross motor skills. At the final visit a full assessment was once more performed. Results showed that the Norm group performed better on all sensorimotor tests as compared to the untreated children from the DCD group, with the exception of an audiometric test where both groups performed at the same level. Girls performed better on tests assessing proprioceptive and balance abilities. Results also showed, after controls for natural maturing effects, that the children from the DCD group after sensorimotor therapy did catch up with the healthy children. The concept of "catching-up" is used within developmental medicine but has not earlier been documented with regard to children and youth in connection with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats 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
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Irene 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, Insitute of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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