Cognitive and neuroimaging findings in developmental coordination disorder: new insights from a systematic review of recent research. (5th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Peter H; Smits‐Engelsman, Bouwien; Caeyenberghs, Karen; Steenbergen, Bert; Sugden, David; Clark, Jane; Mumford, Nick; Blank, Rainer
• Is Part Of: Developmental medicine & child neurology. Volume 59:Number 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1117
• Page End: 1129
• Publication Date: 2017-09-05
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Pediatric neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-1622

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To better understand the neural and performance factors that may underlie developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and implications for a multi‐component account. Method: A systematic review of the experimental literature published between June 2011 and September 2016 was conducted using a modified PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study type) framework. A total of 106 studies were included. Results: Behavioural data from 91 studies showed a broad cluster of deficits in the anticipatory control of movement, basic processes of motor learning, and cognitive control. Importantly, however, performance issues in DCD were often shown to be moderated by task type and difficulty. As well, we saw new evidence of compensatory processes and strategies in several studies. Neuroimaging data (15 studies, including electroencephalography) showed reduced cortical thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex and altered brain activation patterns across functional networks involving prefrontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions in children with DCD than those in comparison groups. Data from diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging suggested reduced white matter organization involving sensorimotor structures and altered structural connectivity across the whole brain network. Interpretation: Taken together, results support the hypothesis that children with DCD show differences in brain structure and function compared with typically developing children. Behaviourally, these differences may affect anticipatory planning and reduce automatization of movement skill, prompting greater reliance on slower feedback‐based control and compensatory strategies. Implications for future research, theory development, and clinical practice are discussed. What this paper adds: A comprehensive systematic review of recent experimental research on developmental coordination disorder (DCD). A current synthesis that informs international consensus guidelines on DCD. Behavioural and neuroimaging findings are integrated with reference to current theory. Evidence that motor control deficits in DCD depend on the nature of the task. Evidence to show alterations of structural and functional neural connectivity in DCD. Implications for clinical practice are provided, based on recent research. This article is commented on by Liégeois on page1103 of this issue. This article's abstract has been translated into Spanish and Portuguese. Follow the links from theabstract to view the translations.