The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of an Action Observation and Motor Imagery (AOMI) combined with Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) intervention for children aged 7 to 11 years with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the AOMI combined with FMS intervention improve basic motor proficiency and posture control in children with DCD? Does this integrated motor-cognitive intervention enhance executive functions, specifically cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and spatial working memory? Researchers will compare an experimental group (receiving 30 minutes of AOMI and 30 minutes of FMS per session) to a control group (receiving 30 minutes of FMS and 30 minutes of non-specific activities) to see if the combined approach yields superior outcomes. A total of 20 strictly screened children with DCD will participate. Both groups will attend 60-minute intervention sessions, 3 times a week, for a total of 10 weeks, while maintaining their normal daily school activities.
This study employs a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a 2 (Time: pre-test, post-test) × 2 (Group: experimental, control) mixed design framework to investigate the empirical effects of a motor-cognitive integrated intervention for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Following a comprehensive screening process to identify eligible participants, children are randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the active control group. During the 10-week intervention period, participants in both groups attend sessions three times per week. The experimental group receives a structured motor-cognitive integrated training program that uniquely combines Action Observation and Motor Imagery (AOMI) with physical Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) training. The control group participates in standard FMS training matched for duration and frequency, alongside general physical activities without the specialized cognitive training elements. To evaluate the overall efficacy of the integrated approach, comprehensive assessments evaluating motor proficiency, postural control, and executive functions are conducted by blinded assessors before the intervention begins (baseline) and immediately after the 10-week intervention concludes. All study procedures adhere strictly to ethical guidelines, and informed consent is obtained from the legal guardians of all participating children prior to the commencement of the research.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
20
A computerized "observe-imagine-execute" cognitive training framework aimed at enhancing internal motor representations via visual observation and mental imagery. This component lasts for 30 minutes per session.
Physical training progressively focusing on core locomotor and object control skills (e.g., running, jumping, kicking, throwing, catching). This component lasts for 30 minutes per session.
Non-specific physical activities lacking specialized cognitive training elements, serving as a time-matched control condition. This component lasts for 30 minutes per session.
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
Change in Inhibitory Control Assessed by the Stroop Task
A computerized task evaluating automated response inhibition under conflict. Stimuli are four Chinese color words presented in congruent or incongruent font colors (1:1 ratio). Participants must ignore the meaning and respond only to the font color. The task consists of 68 trials. Performance is assessed via RT and accuracy.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Cognitive Flexibility Assessed by the More-Odd Shifting
A computerized task evaluating rule-switching ability. Stimuli (digits 1-9, excluding 5) require magnitude, parity, or color-cued judgments. Task 1 and 2 are single-rule blocks (58 trials each). Task 3 is a mixed-rule block (59 trials) producing switch and non-switch conditions. Performance is evaluated via Reaction Time (RT) and accuracy.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Spatial Working Memory Assessed by the 16-Grid Paradigm
A computerized task assessing spatial information retention and updating in a 4x4 grid. 4 black squares are presented (1000ms), followed by a blank screen (1000ms), and a target stimulus. Participants judge whether the target is the original pattern rotated by 90°. The task consists of 90 trials divided into 4 blocks.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Gross Motor Skills Assessed by the BOT-2
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) evaluates gross motor skills, including balance, bilateral coordination, and running speed. The Total Motor Composite standard score will be reported. The standard score ranges from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 80. Higher scores indicate better gross motor proficiency and coordination.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Gross Motor Development Assessed by the TGMD-3
The Test of Gross Motor Development - Third Edition (TGMD-3) evaluates fundamental locomotor and object control skills. The total score is calculated based on the performance criteria of the skills. The total score ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 100. Higher scores indicate better overall gross motor development.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Dynamic Postural Control Assessed by the Y-Balance
Measures maximum controlled reach distance in three directions while maintaining a single-leg stance.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Static Postural Control Assessed by the Single-Leg Stance Test with Eyes Closed
Participants stand on one leg with their eyes closed. The duration (in seconds) they can successfully maintain balance is recorded to evaluate static postural control and proprioceptive integration capacity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention 10weeks
Change in Lower Limb Coordination Assessed by the Side Hop Test
Participants perform continuous lateral jumps back and forth over a set distance within a limited time. The total number of successful jumps is recorded to reflect lower limb coordination and rapid posture adjustment ability.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention 10 weeks
Change in Sprinting Speed Assessed by the 50-Meter Dash
The time taken (in seconds) to complete a 50-meter sprint is recorded to evaluate physical speed and acceleration capabilities.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Coordination and Cardiopulmonary Endurance Assessed by the 1-Minute Jump Rope Test
The number of valid jumps completed within one minute is recorded to reflect whole-body coordination and cardiopulmonary endurance levels.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Lower Limb Explosive Power Assessed by the Standing Long Jump
The maximum valid horizontal jump distance (in centimeters) is recorded to evaluate the explosive power of the lower limbs.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Core Muscle Endurance Assessed by the 1-Minute Sit-Up Test
The number of correctly performed sit-ups completed in one minute is recorded to evaluate trunk and core muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
Change in Flexibility Assessed by the Sit-and-Reach Test
The maximum forward reach distance (in centimeters) is recorded to evaluate the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (10 weeks).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.