Impact of Gross Motor Coordination Exercises on Perceptual Processes and Praxis in Early School Children With Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Preliminary Report of Randomized Controlled Study
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | 22 children aged 6-8 years with symptoms of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) |
| I — Intervention | Bilateral Integration coordination training with midline-crossing exercises (9 weeks) |
| C — Comparator | Bilateral Integration coordination training without midline-crossing exercises (9 weeks) |
| O — Outcomes | Sequencing praxis, bilateral motor coordination, sensory integration measures assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up |
Bottom Line
This small preliminary RCT suggests that bilateral integration exercises incorporating midline-crossing movements may accelerate improvements in motor coordination and sequencing abilities in young children with DCD symptoms compared to similar exercises without midline-crossing. While both intervention approaches showed benefits, the midline-crossing group demonstrated faster improvements. However, the study's very small sample size (n=22), lack of blinding, and absence of functional outcome measures limit confidence in these findings. The intervention appears safe and feasible for clinical implementation, but larger, more rigorous trials with broader outcome measures are needed before recommending routine clinical adoption. Australian clinicians should consider this as preliminary evidence that may inform existing DCD management approaches.
Key Findings
P Value: Sequencing praxis: P=0.041 (control), P<0.001 (intervention); Bilateral coordination: P=0.013, P=0.020
Effect Size: Large effect sizes (η² range 0.293-0.670)
Primary Outcome: Sequencing praxis and bilateral motor coordination improvements
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data
Confidence Interval: Not reported
Clinical Application
High feasibility - 9-week exercise program deliverable by trained therapists or educators Relevant to Australian paediatric occupational therapy and physiotherapy practice; may complement existing DCD interventions under Medicare allied health items Children aged 6-8 years with developmental coordination disorder symptoms in educational and clinical settings
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity has a general impact on cognitive processes, but evidence on the effects of specific exercises on particular cognitive or executive functions remains limited. Previous studies suggest that movements crossing the body's midline stimulate excitability and plasticity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior parietal cortex. This study aimed to investigate whether such exercises produce long-term functional changes in these areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 22 children aged 6 to 8 years with symptoms of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), divided into 2 equal groups. Both groups completed approximately 9 weeks of coordination training based on Bilateral Integration by Sheila Dobie OBE (the total diagnostic and therapeutic cycle lasted approximately 16 weeks, including a break). The intervention group performed exercises involving midline crossing, while the control group performed exercises without this element. Assessments (sensory integration and praxis tests and the bilateral motor coordination test) were conducted 3 times: before intervention, after 9-week program, and at follow-up. RESULTS Significant improvements were observed in both groups in sequencing praxis (P=0.041 in the control group; P<0.001 in the intervention group) and bilateral motor coordination (P=0.013; P=0.020), but at different rates. In the intervention group, improvements appeared after the intervention, while in the control group only at follow-up. Large effect sizes were found (η² ϵ [0.293, 0.670]), with high statistical power. No significant changes were observed in other functions. CONCLUSIONS The Bilateral Integration method improves sequencing praxis and interhemispheric integration in children with DCD symptoms. Midline-crossing exercises may yield relatively fast improvements in short-term programs.
References
- 1.Bagrowski, B., Grobelny, B., Dalziell, A., Kędziora, B., & Mojs, E. (2026). Impact of Gross Motor Coordination Exercises on Perceptual Processes and Praxis in Early School Children With Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Preliminary Report of Randomized Controlled Study. Medical Science Monitor, 32, e952598. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.952598
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