Pulmonary function in children with development coordination disorder

The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary function in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) with children who are typically developing (TD), and also analyze possible gender differences in pulmonary function between these groups. The Movement ABC test was used to identify the movement coordination ability of children. Two hundred and fifty participants (90 children with DCD and 160 TD children) aged 9–10 years old completed this study. Using the KoKo spirometry, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) were used to measure pulmonary function. The 800-m run was also conducted to assess cardiopulmonary fitness of children in the field. There was a significant difference in pulmonary function between TD children and those with DCD. The values of FVC and FEV1.0 in TD children were significantly higher than in children with DCD. A significant, but low correlation (r = −0.220, p < .001) was found between total score on the MABC and FVC; similarly, a positive but low correlation (r = 0.252, p < .001) was found between total score on the MABC and the completion time of 800-m run. However, no significant correlation between FVC and the time of 800-m run was found (p > .05). Significant correlations between total score on the MABC and the completion time of the 800-m run (r = 0.352, p < .05) and between FVC and the time of 800-m run (r = −0.285, p < .05) were observed in girls with DCD but not boys with this condition. Based on the results of this study, pulmonary function in children with DCD was significantly lower than that of TD children. The field test, 800-m run, may not be a good indicator to distinguish aerobic ability between children with DCD and those who are TD. It is possible that poor pulmonary function in children with DCD is due to reduced physical activity in this population.

Research highlights
► This study was to compare pulmonary function in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) with children who are typically developing (TD), and analyze possible gender differences in pulmonary function.
► The values of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) in TD children were significantly higher than children with DCD.
► A significant, but low correlation was found between total score on the MABC and FVC in children.
► Poor pulmonary function in children with DCD may be due to reduced physical activity in this population.
► The field test, 800-m run, may not be a good indicator to distinguish the aerobic ability between TD children and children with DCD.