A core stabilization program improves motor performance and health-related quality of life in adolescents with motor difficulties

Authors

  • Sofia Monastiridi Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Ermioni Katartzi Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Thomas Kourtessis Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace
  • Symeon Vlachopoulos Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i1.312

Keywords:

Developmental coordination disorder, Functional status, Optimum Performance Training model, Movement Assessment Battery for Children – 2nd Edition, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Children's Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition  characterized by poor motor competence that affects negatively adolescents’ activities of daily living and also pose an increased risk to their health and psychosocial development. Core stability improves posture, balance and proprioception, skills in which adolescents with DCD are deficient. A weak core is a fundamental problem in the inefficient production of motion, which can lead to incorrect motor patterns. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a core-stability functional exercise program on motor competence, health-related physical fitness, weekly physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents with motor difficulties. Methods: 24 adolescents (12.75±.74y) participated in a 12 weeks (3 sessions/week) core-stability functional exercise program. Two groups were formed: experimental (DCDexp N=8) and control group (DCDcontrol N=16). Motor performance, balance, abdominal muscles strength/endurance, flexibility of lower back and hamstrings muscles, BMI, weekly physical activity and HRQoL were assessed pre and post intervention. Results: There were significant increases on motor  performance, on balance, on abdominal muscles strength/endurance and on lower back and hamstrings muscles flexibility. Also, HRQoL and functional status were increased. There was no impact on physical activity and BMI. Conclusion: A core-stability functional exercise program seems to improve motor performance, health-related physical fitness, and HRQoL in adolescents with motor difficulties. This study provides evidence to the findings of the process-oriented approaches combined with effects in various parameters that guarantee success for these adolescents with poor motor competence.

Author Biographies

Sofia Monastiridi, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Sofia G. Monastiridi BSc Physical Education & Sport Science, MSc Kinesiology, PhD Student.

Ermioni Katartzi, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Ermioni Katartzi Assistant Professor of Motor Development and Motor Coordination Difficulties, MSc, PhD.

Thomas Kourtessis, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace

Thomas Kourtessis Professor of Motor Coordination Disorders at the School of Physical Education, MSc, PhD.

Symeon Vlachopoulos, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Symeon P. Vlachopoulos Professor in Sport and Exercise Psychology, MSc, PhD.

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Published

2021-04-07

How to Cite

Monastiridi, S., Katartzi, E., Kourtessis, T. ., & Vlachopoulos, S. (2021). A core stabilization program improves motor performance and health-related quality of life in adolescents with motor difficulties. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i1.312

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Section

ARTICLES