Association of developmental coordination disorder and low motor competence with impaired bone health: A systematic review.
Kids with motor delays often have weak bones—screen and load them early.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team hunted for every paper that linked clumsy kids with bone problems. They kept 16 studies on kids who have Developmental Coordination Disorder or just low motor scores. They graded how sure we can be about each result.
What they found
Almost every study saw thinner, weaker bones in these kids. The hip and spine took the biggest hit. Still, the proof is shaky—most studies were small or used different tools.
How this fits with other research
Robertson et al. (2017) found that kids with severe motor issues often choke while eating. Together the two reviews show the same group faces both bone and swallow risks—so screen for both.
Yamaki et al. (2011) saw that overweight teens with mobility limits carry extra chronic conditions. Their data and the new review agree: when movement is low, health piles up.
Lin et al. (2005) asked directors what health care is missing. Directors listed osteoporosis prevention as a top gap. The 2022 review now gives the science behind that worry.
Why it matters
You already know these kids trip and drop things. Now you know their bones may be quietly thinning. Add quick bone questions to intake: any past fractures, milk allergy, long steroid use? Then build weight-bearing play—jump rope, bear walks, stair climbs—into daily programs. Early action now can spare breaks later.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
AIMS: Individuals with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and low motor competence (LMC) may be at increased risk of low bone health due to their lifetime physical activity patterns. Impaired bone health increases an individual's risk of osteoporosis and fracture; therefore, it is necessary to determine whether a bone health detriment is present in this group. Accordingly, this systematic review explores the association between DCD/LMC and bone health. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Studies were included with assessment of bone health in a DCD/LMC population. Study bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible and narrative synthesis was performed with effect size and direction assessed via harvest plots. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: A total of 16 (15 paediatric/adolescent) studies were included. Deficits in bone measures were reported for the DCD/LMC group and were more frequent in weight-bearing sites. Critical appraisal indicated very low confidence in the results, with issues relating to indirectness and imprecision relating to comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Individuals with DCD or LMC are at increased risk of bone health deficits. Bone impairment locations indicate insufficient loading via physical activity as a potential cause of bone deficits. Results indicate a potential for earlier osteoporosis onset.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2022 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104324