Developmental Coordination Disorder, Impact of Fine Motor Skills on Handwriting and Academic Performance in School Going Children: A Research Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that inhibits muscle coordination that affects everyday life tasks and academic achievement. Children with DCD are often characterized as "clumsy" and "uncoordinated" and often lead to performance problems that most often create (TD) children can easily execute. Generally, treatments for DCD are not expected to succeed and the disease has no treatment. Therapies, on the other hand, will include skills, solutions, and accommodations that make it simpler for children with DCD to execute the motor activities required in everyday life and school settings. Some studies emphasize that child’s developmental status plays an important role in academic performance, but there is limited evidence which focuses on fine motor performance in children suspected of DCD, and its effect on their handwriting and academic performance. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study will be conducted at several schools around Wardha, with 1511 school-aged children of both genders ranging in age from 8 to 14 years participating. Discussion: Some studies stress the importance of a child's developmental status in academic achievement, however, there is minimal data that focus on fine motor skills in children suspected of having DCD and its impact on handwriting and academic performance. Conclusion: This study will help us in determining the prevalence of developmental coordination disorder and the relationship between handwriting and academic performance in these children.