Mental Attention-neuromuscular Training for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Interventions: Other: Neuromuscular training; Other: EEG biofeedback mental attention-neuromuscular training; Other: EEG biofeedback mental attention training

• Registration Number: NCT02397161
• Lead Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong

Brief Summary

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of EEG biofeedback mental attention-neuromuscular training (AT-NMT), neuromuscular training (NMT) alone, EEG biofeedback mental attention training (AT) alone, and no intervention for improving reactive balance performance among children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. Sample: 172 children with DCD. Interventions: AT-NMT, NMT, AT, or no intervention for 12 weeks. Major outcomes: Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. A motor control test (MCT) will give a composite latency score, prefrontal cortex EEG recordings during MCT will measure the mental attention level, and surface electromyography recordings during MCT will indicate the lower limb muscle onset latency.

Detailed Description

Hypothesis: The Investigators hypothesize that the reactive balance performance in children with DCD can be best improved by treating both their mental attention and neuromuscular deficits.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of AT-NMT, NMT alone, AT alone, and no intervention for improving reactive balance performance among children with DCD.

Design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. Sample: 172 children with DCD. Interventions: AT-NMT, NMT, AT, or no intervention for 12 weeks. Major outcomes: Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. A motor control test (MCT) will give a composite latency score, prefrontal cortex EEG recordings during MCT will measure the mental attention level, and surface electromyography recordings during MCT will indicate the lower limb muscle onset latency.

Anticipated results and clinical significance: Children with DCD who receive AT-NMT will have the best reactive balance performance outcomes. If the results are positive, this novel training regime can be readily adopted in clinical practice. AT-NMT will improve overall well-being in these children and have positive socio-economic implications such as shorter rehabilitation periods and reduced healthcare costs.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2015-03-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-03-23
• Study First Posted: 2015-03-24
• Status Verified: 2015-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-12-13
• Last Update Posted: 2015-12-15
• Study Start: 2016-07
• Primary Completion: 2017-07
• Study Completion: 2017-07

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 172

Inclusion Criteria

1. 6 to 9 years old;
2. a formal diagnosis of DCD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) at a child assessment center;
3. a Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency giving a gross motor composite score of ≤42;
4. a Child Behavior Checklist attention problem subscale T score of ≥54.5, indicating an attention deficit;
5. attending a local mainstream school;
6. an intelligence level within the normal range; and
7. no experience in using the Brain Computer Interface system or similar apparatus.

Exclusion Criteria

1. a diagnosis of neurological or other movement disorder;
2. any cognitive, psychiatric (comorbid ADHD will not be excluded), congenital, musculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary disorder that can affect motor performance;
3. receiving active therapies or treatments including complementary and alternative medicine;
4. demonstrating excessive disruptive behavior; or
5. those unable to follow instructions adequately.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
NMT alone	Neuromuscular training	NMT group - will receive a 12-week neuromuscular training
AT-NMT	EEG biofeedback mental attention-neuromuscular training	AT-NMT group - will receive a 12-week EEG biofeedback mental attention-neuromuscular training
AT alone	EEG biofeedback mental attention training	AT group - will receive a 12-week EEG biofeedback mental attention training

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in motor control test composite latency score	Baseline (0 month), post-intervention (3 months), and 3-month follow-up (6 months)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in EEG mental attention level	Baseline (0 month), post-intervention (3 months), and 3-month follow-up (6 months)
Change in surface EMG lower limb muscle onset latency	Baseline (0 month), post-intervention (3 months), and 3-month follow-up (6 months)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Hong Kong; 🇭🇰 Pokfulam, Hong Kong