Estimation of Physical Abilities of Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Children with the developmental coordination disorder have difficulties in performing several movement tasks. The present study examined the role of the developmental coordination disorder in children’s physical fitness in the context of Greek primary education. One hundred fifty-four pupils participated in the study. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children was used to assess their motor coordination and to classify the children in groups (Henderson & Sugden, 1992). The Youth Fitness Test was used for the estimation of children’s physical abilities (AAHPERD, 1980). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in 50-yard sprint, 600-yard running, shuttle run, sit-ups and standing long jump. Children with severe and moderate motor difficulties achieved much lower scores. The results of the study showed that the developmental coordination disorder was associated with poor physical fitness. These findings support the development of programs to reinforce and help children with poor motor coordination in the educational system.