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Implementation of a Strength Training Program for a 5-Year-Old Child With Poor Body Awareness and Developmental Coordination Disorder

LB Kaufman, PT, DPT, MA, was a student in the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210 (USA), at the time this case report was completed
DL Schilling, PT, PhD, is Rehabilitation Specialist, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio

Address all correspondence to Dr Kaufman at: lbkauf{at}dreamscape.com

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.

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