A comparison between prevalence and severity of postural abnormalities in children with developmental coordination disorder and healthy children

Background: Motor skills disorder in children with motor dysfunction is a common disorder in childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in children with developmental coordination disorder in comparison with healthy children. Material and methods: Using developmental disorder coordination questionnaire (DCDQʹ07), 59 male children with a developmental coordination disorder (length:134.71±6.91, weight: 31.66±6.66, age: 9.33±0.77) and 59 healthy male children were selected, and 13 physical anomalies were evaluated using flexible ruler, goniometer, mirror boxes, tape measure and chessboard. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16, independent t-test and Mann- Whitney U test with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: Intensity prevalence of forward head, kyphosis and lordosis posture, crooked neck, shoulders down and tilted back abnormalities in male children with developmental coordination disorder was significantly higher than in the healthy group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in prevalence of pelvic tilt, flat foot (foot pronation), pes cavus (foot supination), hallux valgus, hammertoe, knee valgus, and genu varum between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the children with developmental coordination disorder need more attention and effective corrective action plans.