Advancing Understanding of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Diagnosis, Mechanisms, and Interventions

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent motor learning disability affecting 5-6% of young children, with significant impacts on physical and mental health. Recent studies have employed various techniques, such as brain imaging, motion capture, and visual-motor tracking systems, to better understand motor skill acquisition and underlying mechanisms in adolescents with and without DCD. These investigations have revealed distinct prefrontal activation patterns in adolescents with DCD, particularly when task complexity is increased by concurrent cognitive tasks. However, there is still a need for further research to address task and environmental complexities and to develop better diagnostic protocols and intervention strategies for children with DCD.

This research topic aims to advance our understanding of DCD and its impact on motor skill acquisition and cognitive functioning. The main objectives include identifying specific behavioral markers to distinguish children with DCD, exploring the relationship between brain structure and function in motor performance, and developing effective intervention strategies to improve motor skills and attention levels in children with DCD.

To gather further insights in the field of DCD, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Insights from brain imaging and motion capture techniques in understanding motor skill in DCD

- Impact of task and environment on motor and cognitive behaviour in children with DCD

- Identification of specific behavioral markers for DCD diagnosis and intervention

- The relationship between brain structure and motor performance in children with DCD

- Development and evaluation of intervention strategies to improve motor skills and attention levels in children with DCD

Keywords: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Motor Learning Disability, Motor Skill, motor neuroscience, motor performance

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.