DCD en Physical Literacy
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) face challenges with motor skills, motivation, self-confidence, and participation in physical activities. These factors overlap with elements of physical literacy, which focuses on the development of cognitive, affective, and physical abilities. Therefore, physical literacy may be a useful concept for understanding the lack of physical activity in individuals with DCD and for improving their activity levels. Although only small improvements in motor performance are expected for individuals with DCD, increasing their confidence, motivation, and knowledge about physical activity might still enhance their activity levels. However, little is known about the relationship between physical literacy and DCD.
The central research question of this PhD project is: Can increasing physical literacy contribute to greater physical activity, particularly in children and young adults with DCD?
Studies
The project includes four studies:
- A scoping review to assess the current knowledge on physical literacy in DCD.
- A survey study among young adults in the Netherlands to explore the relationship between physical literacy and physical activity, including differences between individuals with strong and weak motor skills.
- A comparative study between children with (suspected) DCD and typically developing children on physical literacy and activity levels, measured through questionnaires and accelerometers.
- The development and testing of a physical literacy-based intervention aimed at children with DCD, with the goal of increasing their activity levels and participation.
Children and Young Adults
This project focuses on children and young adults, as research shows that physical activity in childhood influences activity levels later in life. Therefore, addressing issues around a lack of physical activity early on is important for improving the behaviors and experiences of children and young adults.