Impact of exercise on learning and brain activity in children with coordination issues
Study Protocol to Examine the Effects of Acute Exercise on Motor Learning and Brain Activity in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (ExLe-Brain-DCD)
This study is testing how intense exercise affects learning and brain activity in children with coordination issues compared to those without.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 90 Months to 126 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Institut Nacional d'Educacio Fisica de Catalunya Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Barcelona and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05936372 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how acute intense physical exercise affects motor learning and brain activity in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) compared to typically developing children. Participants will be divided into four groups based on their development status and exercise participation. The study will assess cognitive abilities and physical condition before and after exercise, measuring outcomes immediately, 24 hours, and 7 days post-exercise. The goal is to understand the relationship between physical activity and learning capabilities in these children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder and those with typical motor development who meet specific cognitive and physical criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with health conditions that prevent them from participating in physical activities will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance learning strategies for children with DCD through targeted physical exercise interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in using physical exercise to improve cognitive and motor functions in children, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Movement assessment battery for children - second edition (MABC-2) score: developmental coordination disorder (DCD) group score \<15% and typically developed (TD) group score \>25% * An average or better cognitive ability tested through the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence version 4 (TONI-4) * A parent-report history to confirm that, according to the child's pediatrician, motor difficulties showed by their child cannot be explained by any other neurological, developmental, and/or severe psychosocial problem. Comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and dyslexia will be acceptable in order to better represent the DCD population since data population-based studies suggest that almost 40% of the children with DCD have combined problems related to learning and/or attentional disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * Participant health status do not allow hem/her to participate in physical activities (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PAR-Q) * Other comorbidities than attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and/or dyslexia * Reported neurological, developmental, and/or severe psychosocial problem that could explain the motor development problem * Participant that takes medication that could affect results * Uncorrected 20/20 vision
Where this trial is running
Barcelona and 2 other locations
- Escola Bosc de Montjuïc — Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
- Escola Ramon Casas — Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
- Escola Seat — Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Albert Busquets Faciaben, PhD — Institut Nacional d'Educació Física de Catalunya
- Study coordinator: Albert Busquets Faciaben, PhD
- Email: albert.busquets@gencat.cat
- Phone: +34934255445
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.