Enhancing Motor Skills in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition characterized by difficulty in acquiring and performing age-appropriate motor skills, despite the absence of any known medical or neurological condition. Research suggests that DCD affects approximately 10% of children, and in my clinical experience, many children with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders also exhibit significant motor coordination challenges.
The good news? Improving motor skills can lead to dramatic improvements in learning, behavior, handwriting, balance, and more. This is because the same brain regions responsible for movement and coordination also regulate learning, attention, and behavior.
In today’s blog, I’ll break down a systematic review and meta-analysis on motor skill interventions for children with DCD and share insights on how to structure an effective motor development program.
Why Motor Development Matters for Kids with DCD
A strong foundation in motor skills is essential for a child’s overall development. Children who struggle with coordination often face challenges beyond just physical movement, including:
Learning difficulties – Poor coordination can impact handwriting, reading, and problem-solving skills.
Behavioral challenges – Motor difficulties can contribute to frustration, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Attention deficits – Movement and balance play a crucial role in focus and executive function.
Key takeaway: Motor training isn’t just about movement—it’s a gateway to better cognitive, emotional, and behavioral regulation.
What the Research Says About Motor Training for DCD
The study we’re reviewing today is:
Authors: Jane J. Yu, PhD; Angus F. Burnett, PhD; Cindy H. Sit, PhD
Journal: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
This meta-analysis examined multiple studies on motor interventions and found that 85% of children showed significant motor skill improvements after completing a structured motor training program.
Key Findings from the Study
Early intervention is key – The best results were seen when training started around age five. While younger children may struggle with focus, five-year-olds are generally capable of engaging in structured activities and enjoying them.
Motor difficulties persist into adulthood without intervention – If left unaddressed, DCD-related motor challenges can continue into adolescence and adulthood, impacting daily tasks, employment opportunities, and mental health.
The brain is most adaptable in early childhood – The earlier a child begins motor training, the easier and faster improvements occur due to the brain’s natural plasticity. However, older children and even adults can still make progress—it just requires more intensive training.
The Best Approach: Combining “Bottom-Up” & “Top-Down” Training
The study found that the most effective motor skill programs use a combination of:
Bottom-Up (Process-Oriented) Training – Focuses on improving fundamental movement skills through:
Sensory integration
Kinesthetic training (awareness of body movement)
Perceptual-motor exercises
Muscle strength and endurance training
Top-Down (Task-Specific) Training – Teaches children how to apply movement skills in real-life tasks through:
Neuromotor task training (targeted movement exercises)
Cognitive orientation training (helping children understand how to plan and execute movements)
Predictive control exercises (improving the ability to anticipate movement outcomes)
Rhythmic coordination activities (timing and sequencing exercises)
Executive function training (enhancing focus, impulse control, and decision-making)
Why Both Methods Matter
Using both bottom-up and top-down approaches leads to better results than either method alone. In my clinic, I combine at-home process-oriented exercises with structured in-office task-specific training, and I’ve seen firsthand how this leads to faster and more lasting improvements.
How Often Should Training Be Done?
Frequency: 4-5 sessions per week
Setting: Group-based training (for cost-effectiveness and social engagement)
Duration: At least 3 months (longer programs show even greater benefits)
The longer children engage in structured motor training, the greater the improvements in:
Motor performance
Cognitive function
Emotional well-being
Social skills
The Impact of Motor Training on Cognitive & Emotional Development
One of the most fascinating aspects of this study is the strong link between movement and cognition.
Children who improved their motor skills also showed gains in:
Cognitive function (better problem-solving, reading, and academic performance)
Emotional regulation (reduced frustration and anxiety)
Social confidence (better participation in group activities and sports)
This makes sense because the same brain regions that control movement—such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia—also coordinate attention, impulse control, and learning.
Bottom Line: Improving a child’s movement skills has a ripple effect, enhancing nearly every aspect of their development.
How to Support Your Child’s Motor Development
If your child struggles with coordination, here are some practical steps you can take:
Implement a Structured Motor Program
Look for a motor development program that includes both process-oriented and task-specific training. Work with an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or developmental specialist to tailor activities to your child’s needs.
Encourage Daily Movement
Incorporate fun, movement-based activities into your child’s daily routine:
Climbing, jumping, and crawling exercises
Balance beam walking or standing on one foot
Throwing and catching games
Dancing and rhythm-based activities
Support Sensory & Neuromotor Development
Certain exercises can strengthen brain-body connections and improve coordination:
Primitive reflex integration exercises
Eye tracking and visual-motor exercises
Vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body awareness) activities
Create a Fun & Engaging Environment
Children learn best when they’re having fun! Encourage movement through games, obstacle courses, and outdoor play rather than rigid drills.
Be Consistent & Patient
Motor development is a gradual process, and consistency is key. The more frequently a child practices, the faster they will improve.
Final Thoughts: Why Motor Training is Essential
Motor skill development is one of the most overlooked aspects of helping children with developmental delays. Whether your child has DCD, ADHD, autism, or a learning disorder, improving their movement and coordination can unlock their full potential.
By integrating both bottom-up and top-down approaches, ensuring consistent practice, and starting as early as possible, you can help your child build stronger motor skills, better cognitive function, and greater emotional resilience.
Movement is the foundation for learning, attention, and behavior—let’s help our kids move better so they can thrive!