Constraints and facilitators to participation in physical activity in teenagers with Developmental Co‐ordination Disorder: an exploratory interview study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite their movement difficulties, youngsters with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) generally have sufficient capability for physical activity. However, they tend to be less physically active and less physically fit than their well co-ordinated age peers. The aim of this study was to use qualitative research methods to understand which factors constrain and facilitate participation in physical activity in teenagers with DCD, in order to help inform future health promotion programmes. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight teenagers with DCD (aged 13-15) and their parents. The interviews focused on how much physical activity was typically undertaken by the child and the perceived constraints and facilitators to being physically active. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to categorical-content analysis. RESULTS: Half of the children and all but one of the parents reported that the children did little physical activity. Although most children disliked competitive team games, they reported many physical activities that they did enjoy and they reported wanting to be more physically active. Perceived internal constraints to participation included poor motor skill, lack of motivation and reports of fatiguing easily. Perceived external constraints included difficulty travelling to activities, negative comments from peers and teachers' lack of understanding of DCD. CONCLUSIONS: Reports of low levels of physical activity support previous literature and are a cause for concern for this group. The teenagers expressed the desire to be more active, yet the interviews revealed both personal and environmental constraints to engagement in physical activity. It is clear that these factors interact in a dynamic way and that teachers, schools and communities play an important role in creating a motivational environment for youngsters with DCD to engage in physical activity and learn to maintain an active lifestyle as they move into adulthood.

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