Factors influencing the accuracy of motor imagery: Evaluation of children with developmental coordination disorder

Miyoko Watanabe, Yuto Ogasawara
Purpose:

This study aimed to clarify the factors influencing the accuracy of motor imagery and report findings that may lead to motor support for children with DCD. This study aimed to clarify the factors influencing the accuracy of motor imagery and report findings that may lead to motor support for children with DCD.

Methods:

Twelve school-aged children with DCD (mean age: 9 ± 1.3 years) and 43 children with typical development (TD, mean age: 9 ± 0.9 years) were included in this study. The accuracy of motor imagery was calculated by measuring the imagery and actual time required for a 10-m comfortable walk by using the following formula: ([actual time – imagery time]/actual time), by using the mental chronometry method. The Developmental Coordination Disorder Checklist (DCDC)was used to assess motor clumsiness. In addition, tests to assess grip strength and knee extension strength and standing long jump, one-leg standing time, timed “up and go” test (TUG), and functional reach test were conducted to evaluate motor functions. The accuracy of motor imagery was compared between groups by using an unpaired t-test and one-sample t-tests. Other measures were also compared between the groups. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was performed to clarify the factors that influence the accuracy of motor imagery, with motor imagery accuracy as the dependent variable and other items as independent variables.

Results:

Regarding motor imagery accuracy, the DCD group showed significant underestimation (p 0.05). Additionally, physical performance in the knee extension strength, standing long jump, one-leg standing time, and TUG was significantly lower in the DCD group (p 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that DCDC ball manipulation scores as a factor influencing motor imagery accuracy (R2 = 0.76, β = 0.05, p 0.05).

Conclusion(s):

Children with DCD had poorer motor function and underestimated their walking speed compared with children having TD. Furthermore, the children with DCD underestimated their motor imagery and were clumsier when handling the ball compared with their counterparts.

Implications:

Underestimation of one's own movement is thought to lead to decreased self-confidence in movement. Children with DCD may benefit from engaging in activities that involve full-body movement, including ball manipulation, to boost their confidence in physical activity.

Funding acknowledgements:
This study was supported by grants from the Center of Developmental Education and Research Award.
Keywords:
motor coordination disorder
motor imagery
Primary topic:
Paediatrics
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
The local ethics committee of the International University of Health and Welfare
Provide the ethics approval number:
22-Ig-122
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
Yes

Back to the listing