What Do We Really Know About Motor Learning in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Abstract

There is a general consensus that developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by impaired motor learning skills. However, actual studies of motor learning in DCD are scarce and, above all, inconsistent. The aims of the present study were therefore to explore the presumed presence of a motor learning deficit among individuals with DCD and to provide a synopsis of the current literature on motor learning in DCD. We begin by defining DCD (etiology, neuropsychology, and brain bases), motor learning (measurement of learning, methods for promoting skill acquisition, scheduling, practice, retention, and feedback) and, of course, the link between the two, focusing on the issue of a possible motor learning deficit in DCD. We then discuss dominant hypotheses and suggest directions for future research in this domain, in the light of research conducted thus far. Particular attention is paid throughout to guide the choice of intervention approaches.

Using a mouse model to gain insights into developmental coordination disorder

“…Children and adults with DCD also have difficulties with sensorimotor coordination, consisting of coordination within/between limbs, sequencing of movements, use of feedback, timing, anticipation, and strategic planning . A major hallmark of DCD is difficulty in motor learning, as individuals with DCD struggle with learning new skills, planning of movement, adapting to change and automatizing of motor patterns …”

“…The structural basis of DCD is unknown; however, the characteristics of DCD point to potential neural correlates that may be involved . Several brain imaging studies have been conducted to better understand why children with DCD struggle with motor skills . A recent review by Biotteau et al indicates that several brain regions are linked to DCD: cerebellum, basal ganglia, parietal lobe and parts of the frontal lobe (medial orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex).…”

“…Several brain imaging studies have been conducted to better understand why children with DCD struggle with motor skills . A recent review by Biotteau et al indicates that several brain regions are linked to DCD: cerebellum, basal ganglia, parietal lobe and parts of the frontal lobe (medial orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Altered development of the cerebellum is considered key to many neurodevelopmental disorders, including DCD, because of its involvement in movement, balance, coordination, learning, automatization and higher order cognitive functions .…”

“…A recent review by Biotteau et al indicates that several brain regions are linked to DCD: cerebellum, basal ganglia, parietal lobe and parts of the frontal lobe (medial orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Altered development of the cerebellum is considered key to many neurodevelopmental disorders, including DCD, because of its involvement in movement, balance, coordination, learning, automatization and higher order cognitive functions . Additionally, Zwicker et al report that children with DCD have significantly poorer visuo‐spatial processing and difficulty with motor imagery when compared to typically developing children, indicating that the parietal lobe may be impacted given its role in processing visuo‐spatial information.…”

“…Given the role of the corpus collosum in communication between the two cerebral hemispheres, such findings suggest the corpus callosum may be involved in DCD. There is also evidence to support the role of basal ganglia in DCD due to its involvement in motor control and motor learning; however, it is essentially unknown to what extent the basal ganglia may be impacted in the disorder . Finally, Reynolds et al found that the premotor and frontal lobe regions are involved in DCD, probably due to their role in motor planning and execution, attentional and working memory, and executive functioning.…”