Parental correlates of physical activity in children with developmental coordination disorder

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental factors and physical activity in children with DCD. The role of parental knowledge about DCD was also examined via a new questionnaire which was developed for this study (PUMP-Q). The psychometric properties of this questionnaire were assessed. A total of 124 parent-child dyads participated in the current study, including 48 pairs in the DCD group and 72 pairs in the control group. Children were aged eight to ten years. Parents completed questionnaires measuring: (i) their own physical activity levels (ii) beliefs about physical activity (iii) support of physical activity and (iv) knowledge about DCD. Children completed questionnaires examining (i) their physical activity levels and (ii) perceived physical competence. The design of the study was cross-sectional. Results suggest that parents of children with DCD may have an influence on the physical activity of children. Parental support of physical activity was most strongly related to children’s physical activity and also to perceived physical competence. Parental physical activity and parental beliefs about physical activity did not significantly relate to child physical activity. Parental knowledge about DCD was weakly positively related to child physical activity, however, this relationship just failed to reach significance. The PUMP-Q displayed adequate internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability. Evidence of construct validity is presented. In conclusion, the results of this study highlighted a strong relationship between parental support and physical activity for children with DCD. This indicates the importance of professionals involving parents in treatment of children with DCD to maximise treatment outcomes. Furthermore, it is suggested that they work with parents to create opportunities for the child to be active outside of the treatment room. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.