Project R-14119

Interlimb coordination and sensorimotor synchronization in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and typically developing children. (Research)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in different aspects of motor performance and motor coordination, including motor planning, anticipation and automatization of movement skills. An increased variability and asymmetry in gait is frequently observed and does not reach the same level as typically developing peers at later age. The internal modelling deficits hypotheses is proposed to explain the impairments in motor coordination. Within this model, sensory and motor predictions regulate motor coordination. In this view, sensorimotor synchronization, or synchronizing motor rhythm (steps of walking) with auditory rhythm (metronome beats), can be a new avenue in this population to engage the internal model and influence motor coordination. However, there is a gap in literature regarding coordination and sensorimotor synchronization during walking and running. Therefore, we want to bridge the current knowledge gap considering coordination and sensorimotor synchronization ability in children with DCD compared to age-matched typically developing children during gait and fundamental lower limb coordination task to 2 metronomes with different temporal structures. Finally, we want to examine the proof of concept of implementing the concept of sensorimotor synchronization to walking and running training in children with DCD.

01 November 2023 - 30 November 2024