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

Abstract

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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