Implementation of a strength training program for a 5-year-old child with poor body awareness and developmental coordination disorder.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

This case report describes how a strength (muscle force-generating capacity) training program was associated with changes in muscle strength, motor function, and proprioceptive position sense in a young child with poor body awareness and a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

Assessment of a prekindergarten child referred for physical therapy because of behaviors compatible with poor body awareness revealed muscle weakness, poor performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and poor proprioception. Physical therapy testing done when the child was 5 years of age contributed to a pediatrician-assigned diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder. A 12-week strength training program was initiated.

OUTCOMES:

Improvements were noted in muscle strength, gross motor function, and proprioception.

DISCUSSION:

Research indicates that muscles provide information about joint position. Evidence suggests that muscle strength gains seen in children are the result of neuromuscular learning and neural adaptations; therefore, a structured strength training program may have contributed to proprioceptive changes in this child.

• Authors: Linda B Kaufman, Denise L Schilling
• Journal: Physical therapy (Phys Ther) Vol. 87 Issue 4 Pg. 455-67 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 0031-9023 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17374632 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Humans
• Male
• Motor Skills Disorders (diagnosis, therapy)
• Muscle Strength
• Proprioception