Early Identification of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Gender Differences in Performance of the Movement Assessment Battery in Preschool-age Children

Authors

Darius L. Mobley, University of North TexasFollow
Katherine L. Breault, University of North TexasFollow
Mitchell P. Kay, University of North TexasFollow
Cianna S. Edmondson, University of North TexasFollow
Emily F. Jenkins, University of North TexasFollow
Kacie Gray, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Crystal Alvarez, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Priscilla Tamplain, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow
Jerraco L. Johnson, University of North TexasFollow

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder often highlighted by a severe lack of motor coordination that interferes with activities of daily living. The prevalence of DCD in children ranges from 2 to 20% in the United States. Early identification and early intervention can help mitigate potential long term negative effects. The movement assessment battery for children (MABC-2) is a commonly used tool used to identify DCD. PURPOSE: This study examined gender differences in performance on the MABC-2 between preschool-age children. METHODS: 45 preschool-age children (26 girls and 19 boys, M_age = 4.0) were assessed using the MABC-2. The MABC-2 is comprised of 8 items across three subdomains (aiming and catching, manual dexterity, and balance). An independent samples t-test was conducted to observe the differences in each of the 3 sub domains of the MABC between boys and girls and by age. RESULTS: Overall, 39 of children were not at-risk for DCD, and 4 children were at-risk for DCD. The results show a significant difference in the balance domain with girls demonstrating more proficiency (p =0.03) than the boys. There were no significant differences found in manual dexterity (p = .76), aiming and catching (p =0.60), and overall test score (p = 0.18). There were no significant differences based on age across any of the domains. CONCLUSION: Early assessment of young children may be important as potential gender differences already exist by preschool-age. Separate norms may be necessary for boys and girls in this age band as several studies have consistently identified gender differences in the MABC-2. Further exploration of why these differences may exist at such an early age should be explored.

Recommended Citation

Mobley, Darius L.; Breault, Katherine L.; Kay, Mitchell P.; Edmondson, Cianna S.; Jenkins, Emily F.; Gray, Kacie; Alvarez, Crystal; Tamplain, Priscilla; and Johnson, Jerraco L. (2024) "Early Identification of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Gender Differences in Performance of the Movement Assessment Battery in Preschool-age Children," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 16, Article 28.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss16/28