Relationship between participation in leisure time physical activities and aerobic fitness in children with DCD

Chantal Oudenampsen*, Lian Holty, Ilse Stuive, Frouwien van der Hoek, Heleen Reinders-Messelink, Marina Schoemaker, Anke Kottink, Ellen van Weert, Jaap Buurke

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: (1) To explore participation in leisure time physical activities (LTPAs) in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared with children developing typically. (2) To examine the association between participation in LTPA and aerobic fitness. METHODS: Thirty-eight children with DCD (aged 7-12 years) were age and gender matched with 38 children developing typically. Participation in LTPA was self-administered by using an activity questionnaire, and aerobic fitness was estimated using a Shuttle Run Test. RESULTS: Children with DCD spent significantly less time in overall, nonorganized, and vigorous LTPA compared with children developing typically. Aerobic fitness was significantly lower for children with DCD. The best model, including age, group, and overall LTPA, explained 46.2% of the variance in aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable physical activities should be fostered in children with DCD, who have a low participation rate and aerobic fitness level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)422-429
Number of pages8
JournalPediatric physical therapy
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Child
  • Developmental coordination disorder
  • Exercise
  • Leisure activity
  • Physical activity
  • Physical fitness
  • Social participation

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