Do Children with Co-Occurring ADHD and DCD Differ in Motor Performance?

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inappropriate levels of activity, impulsivity, and inattention. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition involving challenges in acquiring and executing motor skills. This cross-sectional study aimed to distinguish motor symptoms between ADHD and ADHD/DCD. A total of 283 children from two elementary schools underwent screening, leading to the identification of 27 children with ADHD. The assessment encompassed the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV Questionnaire (SNAP-IV), the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2), and the Motor Development Scale (MDS). The groups consisted of ADHD (14) and ADHD/DCD (13). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in general motor age means between groups (p = 0.016), indicating inferior performance in the ADHD/DCD group. The coexistence of DCD significantly influenced the motor performance of children with ADHD, particularly in fine motor skills (p = 0.018) and balance (p = 0.033). Both groups exhibited mild to moderate risk of motor development delay. It is suggested that ADHD is associated with motor problems, even when DCD is not co-occurring. Specific domain-based analysis could demonstrate how the co-occurrence with DCD affects the motor performance of children with ADHD, with statistically significant differences observed in fine motor skills and balance.

Keywords:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• developmental coordination disorder
• child development
• motor performance

Disclosure Statement

In compliance with the double-blind peer review process, the authors of this manuscript have adhered to the guidelines for blinded submission. The authors’ names, affiliations, and any information that could potentially reveal their identities have been removed from the manuscript and supplementary materials. The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this work.

Additional information

Funding

JBG declares that they have received research funding from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia (Fapesb).