Motor Difficulties and Their Effect on Participation in School-Aged Children

Purpose: The purpose was to examine whether children diagnosed with motor problems in the preschool period still exhibit motor problems at school age and the impact of these difficulties on participation. Method: The study group comprised 60 children 7-12 years old who were referred to occupational therapy 4-6 years prior to study initiation due to motor difficulties. The control group comprised 28 age-matched children with typical development. Parents completed the Participation, Developmental Coordination Disorder and Performance Skill Questionnaire 4-6 years after treatment. Results: Significant differences were found between children with and without motor difficulties in motor function, but not in any of the participation domains except for parental satisfaction. Children in the control group had significantly higher scores than children with motor difficulties in motor and process skills. Conclusions: Motor difficulties persist into school years. Children with motor difficulties manifest performance skill problems, however they succeed in narrowing the gap and participate similar to their peers.