The aim of this study was to integrate a gaze training intervention (i.e., quiet eye training; QET) that has been shown to improve the throwing and catching skill of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), within an approach (i.e., group therapy) that might alleviate the psychosocial influence of these motor skill deficits.
Children with DCD will be randomly split into either QET group or a technical training (TT). The TT group will be given movement-related instructions via video, relating to the throw and catch phases, while the QET group will also be taught to fixate a target location on the wall prior to the throw (QE1) and to track the ball prior to the catch (QE2). Each group will take part in a 4- week, group therapy intervention and measurements of QE duration obtained from a mobile eye tracking system and catching performance are to be taken before and after training, and at a 6-week delayed retention test. Parental feedback on psychosocial and motor skill outcomes will also be collected at delayed retention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
23
Children will watch an instructional video focused on movement related instructions regarding the throwing and catching task.
Children will watch the same video as the TT group but will also receive instructions designed to optimise their quiet eye durations.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Crewe, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Change in Catching Success
How many balls the participants catch out of 50 attempts
Time frame: From Baseline to after a 4 week training period, and after 6-week delayed retention test
Changes in the qualitative catching performance scale score
The qualitative catching performance scale consisted of an 11-point scale whereby catch attempts were given a score between '0' (Makes no move towards the ball as it comes back) and '10' (The catch is made exclusively with the palms and fingers).
Time frame: From Baseline to after a 4 week training period, and after 6-week delayed retention test
Changes in Quiet Eye durations
Changes in participants eye-movements
Time frame: From Baseline to after a 4 week training period, and after 6-week delayed retention test
Changes 3D Movement Kinematics
Changes in joint angles related to the throwing movement
Time frame: From Baseline to after a 4 week training period, and after 6-week delayed retention test
Changes in Muscular Activity (EMG)
Changes in muscular activity related to the throwing task
Time frame: From Baseline to after a 4 week training period, and after 6-week delayed retention test
Parental Perceptions of Motor Skill Improvements
Parent feedback will be gathered using a short answer questionnaire.
Time frame: End of the study (approximately 12 weeks after baseline testing)
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