Verskeie navorsers het bevind dat motoriese agterstande by drie- tot vyfjarige kinders voorkom en dat daar 'n beperkte hoeveelheid siftingsmeetinstrumente beskikbaar is om die moontlikheid van motoriese agterstande by die kind jonger as vyf jaar te identifiseer. Sommige faktore wat navorsers meen ‘n invloed op die motoriese agterstande van kinders het, is ouderdom, ras, geslag en sosio-ekonomiese status. Hierdie motoriese agterstande kan tot ontwikkelingskoördinasieversteuring (DCD) aanleiding gee wat op 'n vroeë ouderdom geïdentifiseer moet word ten einde effektiewe hulp te verleen. Hierdie studie se doel was tweedoelig. Dit was eerstens daarop gemik om die aard en omvang van motoriese uitvalle gegrond op sosio-ekonomiese klas, geslag, ras en ouderdom by 'n geselekteerde groep drie- tot vyfjarige Suid-Afrikaanse kinders te bepaal. Die tweede doel was om die geskiktheid van die “Little DCDQ” vraelys vir die identifisering van DCD by 'n geselekteerde groep drie- tot vyfjarige kinders te bepaal. Vir die eerste doel is 53 kleuters (N=53) by die studie betrek. Die proefpersone is volgens hulle chronologiese ouderdom in twee oudersdomsgroepe verdeel, naamlik 3.0-3.11 jaar (n=24) en 4.0-4.11 jaar (n=29). Een en twintig seuns (n=21) en twee en dertig dogters (n=32) is ingesluit. Twee rasgroepe, blankes (n=20) en swartes (n=33), is in die ondersoekgroep verteenwoordig. Die groep is ook verdeel in twee sosio-ekonomiese klasse, gebaseer op inkomste van die gesin, naamlik laag (n=31) en hoog (n=22). Die proefpersone is met die “Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2)” getoets om die aard van hulle motoriese agterstande te bepaal. Die “Statistica for Windows 2013” Statsoftrekenaarprogrampakket is gebruik vir data-ontleding. Vir doelstelling 1 is data eerstens vir beskrywende doeleindes deur middel van rekenkundige gemiddeldes ( X ), standaardafwykings (sa) en minimum en maksimum waardes ontleed. Frekwensieverdelings is verder gebruik om die DCD status van die groep te ontleed. Verskille met betrekking tot sosio-ekonomiese klas, geslag, ras en ouderdom is vergelyk deur van onafhanklike t-toetsing gebruik te maak, waar p≤0.05 as betekenisvol aanvaar is. Uit die resultate wat bestudeer is, blyk dit wel die geval te wees dat motoriese uitvalle by drie- tot vyfjarige kinders voorkom en dat sosio-ekonomiese klas, geslag, ras en ouderdom 'n rol speel. Resultate toon dat 11.3% van die groep met ernstige DCD geïdentifiseer is. Die hoë sosio-ekonomiese klas (22.7%), meisies (15.6%), swart kinders (18.2%) en die drie jaar ouderdomsgroep (12.5%) het die meeste kinders in die ernstige DCD klassifikasie gehad. Geen betekenisvolle ouderdomsverskille het tussen die twee ouderdomsgroepe voorgekom nie, buiten vir die gooi- en vangvaardighede waar die driejarige groep betekenisvol beter (p≤0.05) as die vierjarige groep gevaar het. Wit kinders het beter as swart kinders in die fynmotoriese vaardighede presteer en seuns het betekenisvol beter (p≤0.05) as dogters in die gooi- en vangvaardigheid presteer. Geen statistiese verskille met betrekking tot die veranderlikes wat getoets is, is tussen die verskillende sosioekonomiese klasse gevind nie. Vir doelstelling 2 het 110 kleuters se ouers die “Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (Little DCDQ)” voltooi. Volgens die toetstotaal is die kleuters in ‘n rangorde geplaas, waarna elke tweede kleuter op die rangorde met die MABC-2 getoets is om die vlak van ooreenstemming tussen die twee meetinstrumente te bepaal (N=53). Betroubaarheid is ontleed deur Chronbach Alpha-waardes vir die twee toetsbatterye te bepaal. Geldigheid van die “Little DCDQ” is ontleed deur eerstens van Spearman korrelasiekoëffisiënte gebruik te maak waarna kruistabulering gebruik is om vas te stel hoeveel kinders in die onderskeie DCD kategorieë ooreenstemmend deur die vraelys en toetsbattery geklassifiseer is om sodoende die sensitiwiteit en die spesifisiteit van die vraelys te bepaal. Die “Little DCDQ” en die MABC-2 toon goeie betroubaarheid vir al die veranderlikes wat 'n Cronbach Alpha van hoër as r=0.8 getoon het. Die “Little DCDQ” het matige korrelasie getoon met twee van die vier veranderlikes van die MABC-2, waar die vang- en gooi afdeling van die MABC-2 korrelasie van r=0.3 met die algehele koördinasie afdeling van die “Little DCDQ” en die totaal van die MABC-2 'n korrelasie van r=0.29 met die totaal van die “Little DCDQ” getoon het. Die “Little DCDQ” se sensitiwiteit en spesifisiteit het egter nie aanvaarbare resultate getoon nie (r=57,1% en r=81,2%) in vergelyking met die MABC-2 vir die totale van die “Little DCDQ”. Samevattend kan uit die resultate gerapporteer word dat ras en geslag wel 'n rol speel in die aard en omvang van motoriese uitvalle by drie- tot vyfjarige kinders. Uit die huidige studie het dit egter geblyk dat sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede nie so 'n groot rol speel nie. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat die “Little DCDQ” as 'n moontlike siftingsmeetinstrument vir die identifikasie van DCD by kinders jonger as vyf jaar woonagtig in Suid-Afrika oorweeg kan word, maar met aanpassings. Die “Little DCDQ” moet in meer diepte ondersoek word vir gebruiksmoontlikhede om DCD by kinders jonger as vyf jaar te identifiseer ten opsigte van die uitdagings wat die Suid-Afrikaanse kultuur en grootword omstandighede vir kinders se ontwikkeling inhou. / MSc (Kinderkinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Thesis (MScPhysio (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Physiotherapy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Children who lack the motor coordination to perform the tasks that have usually been acquired at their age, given normal intellectual ability and the absence of other neurological disorders, are classified as having Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) according to DSMIV. Limited professional resources prohibit individual therapy and these children are being treated in “gross motor groups” regardless of the fact that this has limited proven efficacy. This study aims to investigate whether group exercise physiotherapy does improve the gross motor function of children with DCD aged six to ten years old. Methods: Thirty-nine children were assessed at pre and post intervention on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) as well as the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting (PEGS) questionnaire by a blinded research assistant. They were randomly allocated to either a control (N=19) or an intervention group (N=20). The intervention group was then further subdivided into groups of four to six per group to attend group exercise sessions of 30 – 45 minutes three times per week. Group exercises were aimed at improving manual dexterity, ball skills and balance by incorporating aerobic exercises, strengthening exercises, coordination as well as task specific activities. Results: There was a significant increase (p=.028) in the total scores tested by the experimental group on the M-ABC after the eight week intervention. Manual dexterity skills had improved significantly (p=.035). There was a trend for ball skills to improve (p=.088) but no improvement was recorded for static or dynamic balance post intervention. PEGS results indicated that subjects considered themselves as very competent regardless of their abilities. Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis that an eight week group exercise program can improve the gross motor skills of children with DCD. It would seem that implementing such an intervention is a viable option, especially where resources limit the availability of one to one therapy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Kinders wat „n gebrek aan motoriese koördinasie het om ouderdoms verwante take te verrig, gegewe dat hulle normale intellektuele vermoëns het en die afwesigheid van ander neorologiese abnormaliteite, word geklassifiseer as “Developmental Coordination Disorder” (DCD) volgens die DSM IV. Beperkte professionele menslike hulpbronne voorkom individele terapie en hierdie kinders word gewoonlik behandel in grofmotoriese groepe, ongeag dat daar min bewyse is dat dit „n effektiewe behandelings metode is. Die doel van hierdie studie is om vas te stel of „n fisioterapie groepsoefenprogram „n effektiewe behandelingsvorm is om die grofmotoriese vaardighede in ses tot tienjarige primêre skool kinders, met „n diagnose van DCD, verbeter. Metodes: Nege-en-dertig kinders was geassesseer met die “Movement Assessment Battery for Children” (M-ABC) en die “Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting” (PEGS) vraelys deur „n geblinde navorsingsassistent. Hulle is in twee groepe nl kontrole groep wat nie intervensie gekry het nie (N=19) en „n eksperimentele groep (N=20)verdeel deur eenvoudige ewekansige toewysing. Die eksperimentele groep was verder onderverdeel in groepe van vier tot ses om groepsoefeningsessies by te woon drie keer „n week vir 30 tot 45 minute. Die doel van die groepsoefeninge was om die volgende areas te verbeter: handvaardigheid, balvaardigheid en balans deur die inkorporasie van balansaktiwiteite, spierversterkingsoefeninge, koördinasie sowel as taak spesifieke aktiwiteite. Die deelnemers was weer geassesseer met die Movement-ABC en die PEGS na die agt weke lange intervensie program. Resultate: Daar was 'n beduidende toename (p=.028) in die algehele telling deur die eksperimentele groep op die M-ABC na die agt weke deelname. Handvaardigheid het beduidend verbeter (p=.035). Daar was „n tendens vir balvaardighede om te verbeter (p=0.88), maar geen verbetering was aangedui vir balans na die ingryping nie. Die PEGS resultate was moeilik om te interpreteer aangesien die deelnemers hulself as baie vaardig gesien het ten spyte van hulle vermoëns. Gevolgtrekking: Die resultate van hierdie studie ondersteun die hipotese dat 'n doelgerigte groepsoefeningsprogram wel die grofmotoriese vaardighede van kinders met „n diagnose van DCD verbeter. Fisioterapeute kan 'n groepsofeningsprogram met vertroue implementeer waar 'n tekort aan menslike hulpbronne een tot een terapie beperk.

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) find academic and performing age-appropriate perceptual-motor skills more difficult than their peers. According to research, children classified as learning disabled often show signs of one or more syndromes of developmental disorders rather than an isolated, discrete disability. The more common learning disorders include disabilities related to verbal communication development, reading disorders, gross and fine motor dysfunction and motor hyperactivity. Attention disorders, including or excluding hyperactivity, are not considered learning disabilities in themselves. However, because attention problems can gravely interfere with school performance, they are often associated with problems concerning academic skills Literature further reveals that boys are more inclined to motor problems, learning disabilities and ADHD, compared to girls. With regards to racial diversity, limited information is available, even though some literature implies that certain racial diversities differ to some extent regarding motor problems (DCD). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD of children (N = 99) in the age group 6 to 7 years in Potchefstroom in the NW province. A second purpose was to examine the differences between gender and certain racial groups in the age group 6 to 7years in Potchefstroom with regards to to DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD. Two grade one classes were randomly selected from three selected schools in the Potchefstroom district proportionally representing the different racial groups [white (n = 37), black (n = 50), Coloured (n = 12)]. In this group, 48 boys and 53 girls were evaluated with the Movement ABC (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992), the Aptitude test for school beginners (ASB) (Swart et a/., 1994), the Modified Conner's abbreviated teacher and the Taylor Hyperactivity checklist (Lowenberg & Lucas, 1999). The Statistics for Windows computer package was used for analyzing the data. The group of children without DCD showed a statistically significant higher total ASB scores than the DCD group (p ≤ 0.00). A multiple regression analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between DCD, learning disabilities and ADHD which varied between 22% and 36%. Analysis of differences in the ASB of boys and girls with and without DCD showed no significant interactions, although racial interactions (p < 0.001) were found with the DCD group (p < 0.025). Boys with DCD did not perform as well as the girls in the coordination subtest, and their ADHD totals indicate more symptoms than those of the girls. Black children's numerical skills, verbal communication and the ASB total appeared to be considerably lower than the values of the white children. Overall, the conclusion can be made that DCD has an effect on 6 to 7-year old children's learning abilities and to a lesser extent on their ADHD status. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background: Dyspraxia, also included under the term Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a condition characterised by an impairment in motor skills function which impacts negatively on other aspects of daily living such as athletic capability, handwriting, self-esteem and social interaction. However, no effective therapy currently exists to address all of these issues within this group. The aim of the present study therefore was to investigate whether a complementary therapy, called Fascia Bowen therapy, would improve neuromuscular function and psychological wellbeing in males aged 8-11 (at Primary School) diagnosed with this condition. Methods: A group of 10 participants meeting the criteria of 15th centile or below in motor skills functioning, received a Fascia Bowen therapy treatment session from a qualified Fascia Bowen practitioner each week for 6 weeks. All participants’ motor skills function were assessed by an occupational therapist before and after the end of the intervention using the Motor Skills Assessment Battery for Children test (MABC-2). Additionally, parents, teachers and participants completed questionnaires measuring self-esteem, social skills, social interaction, behaviour and scholastic function before and after the intervention. Results: The participants showed significant improvement in neuromuscular function over time using the MABC-2. However, no significant changes were shown in the other measures of functioning. Although parents did provide some anecdotal reports about positive changes in real life, these were not reflected in the measures. The results suggest that while improvements were shown as significant in the motor domain, which was the focus of the therapy, the results did not translate to other domains of life over time. 13 Conclusions: Further research is necessary to test the efficacy of the treatment’s effects using a larger sample, a control group and a longer intervention timescale. A six week intervention period may not be sufficient to show significant changes in self-esteem, social skills, social interaction, behaviour and scholastic functions which have deep-rooted constructs developed over many years. These may therefore take a long time to change.

Este estudo investigou o desenvolvimento e a influência dos ajustes posturais antecipatórios na performance de um movimento direcionado a um alvo em crianças com e sem DCD. Os participantes foram divididos de acordo com três faixas etárias [faixa etária (A) de 7-8 anos (média de 7.6 anos ± 0.6 ); faixa etária (B) de 9-10 anos (média de 9.7 anos ± 0.7); faixa etária (C) de 11-12 anos (média de 11.7 anos ± 0.5). Cada grupo foi formado por crianças com DCD e crianças de desenvolvimento típico. As com DCD foram identificadas através de um percentil igual ou inferior a 5 no Teste Movement ABC. As crianças com desenvolvimento típico foram identificadas como aquelas cujo escore apresentou-se igual ou superior a 30. As crianças foram orientadas a permanecer na posição em pé e executar um movimento direcionado a um alvo. Variáveis de tempo de reação, tempo de movimento e a amplitude dos ajustes posturais antecipatórios foram examinadas em função da idade. Os resultados indicaram que as crianças com DCD foram significativamente mais lentas que as crianças com desenvolvimento típico durante a iniciação e execução do movimento direcionado a um alvo e também apresentaram um maior deslocamento lateral do centro de pressão. A análise desenvolvimental mostrou que, à medida que a criança cresce, aumenta a estabilidade postural na direção lateral e reduz os tempos de reação e movimento. Porém, crianças com DCD não alcançaram o mesmo nível de performance em comparação as crianças de desenvolvimento típico. Quando atrasos hipotéticos de idade foram calculados a partir das equações da análise de regressão, as crianças mais velhas do grupo DCD mostraram aumento destes atrasos nos ajustes posturais e diminuição destes no tempo de reação e movimento. Estes resultados dão suporte à hipótese de que os ajustes posturais antecipatórios interferem na performance do movimento. / This study investigated the development and influences of anticipatory postural adjustments on the performance of a goal-directed movement in children with and without DCD. Participants were placed into one of three age bands [age band (A) with 7 and 8 years (mean age 7.6 years ± 0.6; age band (B) with 9 and 10 (mean age 9.7 ± 0.7); age band (C) with 11 and 12 years (mean age 11.7 ± 0.5)]. Each group consisted of children with DCD and typically developing children. Children with DCD were defined as those with scores at or below the 5thpercentile on Movement ABC Test. Typically developing children were those whose scores on the test were above the 30th percentile. The children were asked to stand in right position and perform a goal-directed movement. Reaction time, movement time and amplitude of postural adjustments were examined as a function of age. Results indicated that children with DCD were significantly slower than typically developing children during the initiation and execution of the goal-directed movement and also showed a larger lateral displacement of the center of pressure. Developmental analysis showed that, as children grow up, they increase their postural stability in lateral direction and decrease their reaction and movement time. However, children with DCD do not reach the same level of performance as compared to typically developing children. When hypothetical age delays were calculated by the equations in the regression analysis, older children in the DCD group showed increasing age delays of the postural adjustments but decreasing age delays in reaction and movement time. These results support the hypothesis that anticipatory adjustments interfere in movement performance.

Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Controversy still exists among researchers with regard to the most effective intervention methods and the success thereof regarding DCD children. This condition is known to have different underlying causes, which can influence the success of intervention programmes. It is indicated in the literature that intervention of motor difficulties early in the life of the child, can improve motor development and academic achievement and thus contribute to the total wellness of these children. The aims of this study was, firstly, to determine the effect of an intervention programme based on an integrated approach, on 9 to 12 year old farm labourer children with DCD. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, t-testing as well as effect sizes to determine practical significance. A second aim was to determine the relation between underlying sensory-neurological problems and the measure of success reached with the intervention programme. This data was mainly analysed with descriptive statistics and in a qualitative manner. The third aim was to determine the relation between fine motor manipulation skills and behaviour characteristics as assessed by the teacher and the measure of success reached with an intervention programme. This data was also analysed by means of descriptive data and in a qualitative manner. The sample of the investigation, on a farm in the North-West Province, consists of children of farm workers between the ages of 4 and 12 years (n = 36) who were evaluated according to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) test (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) to determine their DCD status. Eight children (5 girls and 3 boys) were classified with DCD. One girl was identified in the 9 to 10 year old group, and 5 boys and 2 girls (n = 7) were in the 1 l to 12 year old group. These children were also evaluated on the "Sensory-Neurological Screening test" (Auxter et al., 2001), the ''Qwck Neurological Screening test" (Mutti et al., 1978), and the "Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor proficiency" (Bruininks, 1978) in order to determine the possible underlying causes of their problems on which the content of the intervention programme was based. The MABC Checklist (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) was used to determine the children's fine motor manipulation skills as well as their behaviour characteristics as assessed by their teachers. The children were tested eight weeks prior to (PREI), and again just before the programme started (PRE2) in order to determine the effect of maturation. Immediately after the intervention programme of 8 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes was completed, they were tested (POSTI) to determine the effect of the programme, and two months (RTI) and nine months (RT2) later they were re-tested to determine the long term effect of the programme. The intervention programme consists of perceptual-motor, sensory integration and task-specific components. With regard to the first aim of the study, the results indicated that the intervention programme had a positive effect on two of the children, while no effect was noticed on the problems of one, and three of them regressed. The results indicated that with a little modification the intervention programme, based on an integration approach, could have a better effect. The results indicated that each child has different needs, and that the underlying problems might be a reason why the children reacted differently to intervention. However, fine motor manipulation skills increased on the short term, while balance skills showed a long term effect. Further research to determine the reasons of a child's problems, is recommended in order to establish the best method of intervention. With reference to the second and third aim of the study, the comparison of the children who improved (n = 2) with those who regressed (n = 3), indicated that those who regressed after the intervention programme, had more complex underlying sensory-neurological conditions. They also experienced more problems regarding fine motor manipulation skills as well as behaviour. They also showed poor bilateral integration, which was not the case with the other children. Further research concerning the role that bilateral co-ordination plays in DCD is recommended. From the results of this study, it is also recommended that intervention programmes should be conducted on an individual basis in order to assure that the focus is on the child's specific problems, and to ensure that the intervention has a positive effect. Proper assessment of underlying causes must be done in conjunction with the MABC testing, because this will help to determine the method that is selected for intervention. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The most common form of nutritional deficiency worldwide is iron deficiency, which is associated with sup optimal early brain development. Literature indicates that children with a poor nutritional status during early development of the brain showed poorer cognitive functioning, deficient growth and muscle function. The first purpose of this study was to determine if iron status plays a role in motor competency. A second purpose was to determine if iron status shows an association with motor competency, behavioural characteristics and scholastic success, while a third purpose was to determine if the consumption of different teas will improve iron intake positively and consequently will improve motor development and behaviour. A test- retest research design was used in a randomised parallel study, with one group of children drinking tea and a control group drinking 'rooibos' tea. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) was used to determine the DCD (Developmental co-ordination disorder) status in the group (N = 76). In this group, 45 children were classified as children with DCD. Blood samples were taken to determine the haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels while a 24hr recall dietary questionnaire was used to determine nutritional intakes. Descriptive statistics, t-testing, effect sizes and analysis of co-variance were used to analyse the data. With regards to the first aim of the study, the results which were analysed by means of t-testing, effect sizes and co-variance of analysis indicated that iron deficiency showed significant relationships with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). When corrected for influences other than haemoglobin on gross motor competency manual dexterity, and especially ball skills, showed significant relationships with iron deficiency. These results demonstrate the importance of proper nutrition on motor and cognitive development. With reference to the second aim of the study the assessment of children with DCD by the teachers with regard to their manual dexterity and behavioural characteristics, indicated poorer manual dexterity and more behavioural problems compared to children without DCD. The children in the DCD group was also divided into a group where the MABC-total showed improvement and their haemoglobin levels increased (n=19). This group was then compared with a group of DCD children of which the MABC total decreased and a decrease in haemoglobin was found (n=6). Although the groups were small, the results indicate that manual dexterity skills and mathematics, reading and writing was poorer in the DCD-children whose iron status decreased. No definite association between the different teas and improvement of motor development and behaviour were indicated by the results. Overall, the conclusion can be made that a relationship between iron status and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) among 9-12 year old children exist. However, it is recommended that more studies of this nature should be done on school age children to substantiate the findings of this study. Intervention studies should also be implemented where the children with depleted iron anaemia status should receive iron supplementation. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Controversy still exists among researchers with regard to the most effective intervention methods and the success thereof regarding DCD children. This condition is known to have different underlying causes, which can influence the success of intervention programmes. It is indicated in the literature that intervention of motor difficulties early in the life of the child, can improve motor development and academic achievement and thus contribute to the total wellness of these children. The aims of this study was, firstly, to determine the effect of an intervention programme based on an integrated approach, on 9 to 12 year old farm labourer children with DCD. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, t-testing as well as effect sizes to determine practical significance. A second aim was to determine the relation between underlying sensory-neurological problems and the measure of success reached with the intervention programme. This data was mainly analysed with descriptive statistics and in a qualitative manner. The third aim was to determine the relation between fine motor manipulation skills and behaviour characteristics as assessed by the teacher and the measure of success reached with an intervention programme. This data was also analysed by means of descriptive data and in a qualitative manner. The sample of the investigation, on a farm in the North-West Province, consists of children of farm workers between the ages of 4 and 12 years (n = 36) who were evaluated according to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) test (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) to determine their DCD status. Eight children (5 girls and 3 boys) were classified with DCD. One girl was identified in the 9 to 10 year old group, and 5 boys and 2 girls (n = 7) were in the 1 l to 12 year old group. These children were also evaluated on the "Sensory-Neurological Screening test" (Auxter et al., 2001), the ''Qwck Neurological Screening test" (Mutti et al., 1978), and the "Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor proficiency" (Bruininks, 1978) in order to determine the possible underlying causes of their problems on which the content of the intervention programme was based. The MABC Checklist (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) was used to determine the children's fine motor manipulation skills as well as their behaviour characteristics as assessed by their teachers. The children were tested eight weeks prior to (PREI), and again just before the programme started (PRE2) in order to determine the effect of maturation. Immediately after the intervention programme of 8 weeks, twice a week for 45 minutes was completed, they were tested (POSTI) to determine the effect of the programme, and two months (RTI) and nine months (RT2) later they were re-tested to determine the long term effect of the programme. The intervention programme consists of perceptual-motor, sensory integration and task-specific components. With regard to the first aim of the study, the results indicated that the intervention programme had a positive effect on two of the children, while no effect was noticed on the problems of one, and three of them regressed. The results indicated that with a little modification the intervention programme, based on an integration approach, could have a better effect. The results indicated that each child has different needs, and that the underlying problems might be a reason why the children reacted differently to intervention. However, fine motor manipulation skills increased on the short term, while balance skills showed a long term effect. Further research to determine the reasons of a child's problems, is recommended in order to establish the best method of intervention. With reference to the second and third aim of the study, the comparison of the children who improved (n = 2) with those who regressed (n = 3), indicated that those who regressed after the intervention programme, had more complex underlying sensory-neurological conditions. They also experienced more problems regarding fine motor manipulation skills as well as behaviour. They also showed poor bilateral integration, which was not the case with the other children. Further research concerning the role that bilateral co-ordination plays in DCD is recommended. From the results of this study, it is also recommended that intervention programmes should be conducted on an individual basis in order to assure that the focus is on the child's specific problems, and to ensure that the intervention has a positive effect. Proper assessment of underlying causes must be done in conjunction with the MABC testing, because this will help to determine the method that is selected for intervention. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The most common form of nutritional deficiency worldwide is iron deficiency, which is associated with sup optimal early brain development. Literature indicates that children with a poor nutritional status during early development of the brain showed poorer cognitive functioning, deficient growth and muscle function. The first purpose of this study was to determine if iron status plays a role in motor competency. A second purpose was to determine if iron status shows an association with motor competency, behavioural characteristics and scholastic success, while a third purpose was to determine if the consumption of different teas will improve iron intake positively and consequently will improve motor development and behaviour. A test- retest research design was used in a randomised parallel study, with one group of children drinking tea and a control group drinking 'rooibos' tea. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) was used to determine the DCD (Developmental co-ordination disorder) status in the group (N = 76). In this group, 45 children were classified as children with DCD. Blood samples were taken to determine the haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation levels while a 24hr recall dietary questionnaire was used to determine nutritional intakes. Descriptive statistics, t-testing, effect sizes and analysis of co-variance were used to analyse the data. With regards to the first aim of the study, the results which were analysed by means of t-testing, effect sizes and co-variance of analysis indicated that iron deficiency showed significant relationships with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). When corrected for influences other than haemoglobin on gross motor competency manual dexterity, and especially ball skills, showed significant relationships with iron deficiency. These results demonstrate the importance of proper nutrition on motor and cognitive development. With reference to the second aim of the study the assessment of children with DCD by the teachers with regard to their manual dexterity and behavioural characteristics, indicated poorer manual dexterity and more behavioural problems compared to children without DCD. The children in the DCD group was also divided into a group where the MABC-total showed improvement and their haemoglobin levels increased (n=19). This group was then compared with a group of DCD children of which the MABC total decreased and a decrease in haemoglobin was found (n=6). Although the groups were small, the results indicate that manual dexterity skills and mathematics, reading and writing was poorer in the DCD-children whose iron status decreased. No definite association between the different teas and improvement of motor development and behaviour were indicated by the results. Overall, the conclusion can be made that a relationship between iron status and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) among 9-12 year old children exist. However, it is recommended that more studies of this nature should be done on school age children to substantiate the findings of this study. Intervention studies should also be implemented where the children with depleted iron anaemia status should receive iron supplementation. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.