Understanding physical activity motivation for children with DCD: An investigation using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 5-6% of children (APA, 2000). DCD is a complex disorder resulting in significant impairments to both daily (self-care, school) and recreational activities. Children with DCD have consistently been found to be less physically active compared to typically developing (TD) children (Rivilis et al., 2011); yet, the psychological processes associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for children with DCD are poorly understood. Using Azjen's (1991) Theory of Planned Behaviour, the purpose of this study was to examine physical activity motivations among children with DCD in comparison to TD children. Participants (N= 105, Mage= 13.25 +.46) were drawn from a larger prospective cohort study (PHAST II), and included children with DCD (n= 47) matched to TD peers (n= 58). As expected, the results found children with DCD scoring significantly lower in intentions F(1,103) = 6.88, p<.01, and were generally less active than TD children F(1,99) = 3.06, p=.08. Hierarchical linear regression found that attitudes (B= .50, p<.01), subjective norms (B= .19, p<.05), and perceived behavioural control (B= .30, p<.01) fully mediated the relationship between DCD and intentions. Associations between DCD and MVPA were weak (B= -.16, p=.09); however, results found that intentions (B= .28, p<.05) significantly predicted MVPA in children regardless of motor proficiency. Overall, these findings were consistent with previous research showing children with DCD being less active than their TD peers. Importantly, children with DCD appear to have less intention to be active, which was accounted for by lower scores in physical activity cognitions. While future research needs to examine other motivational factors relating to physical activity for children with DCD, these findings suggest that intervention efforts should target children's attitudes and perceptions of control in an effort to increase their motivations for an active lifestyle.

Acknowledgments: CIHR, SSHRC