Effects of Life Kinetic Training on Balance and Motor Coordination in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week Life Kinetic (LK) training program on static balance, dynamic balance, and motor coordination in children diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 40 female students aged 10–12 years with clinically confirmed DCD were randomly assigned to either a LK training group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group participated in two 45-minute LK training sessions per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included the Revised Stork Balance Test (RSBT) for static balance, the Bass Test of Dynamic Balance for dynamic balance, and the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) for motor coordination. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline values.

Participants in the LK group showed significant improvements in the static balance (F (1, 37) = 356.76, P < 0.001, η² =0.906), dynamic balance (F (1, 37) = 150.65, P < 0.001, η² =0.920), and motor coordination (F (1, 37) = 160.07, P < 0.001, η² =0.812) subscales compared to the control group. ANCOVA confirmed the superiority of the LK group after controlling for baseline scores (partial η² > 0.80 for all outcomes).

Life Kinetic training significantly improves static balance, dynamic balance, and motor coordination in children with DCD. These findings support the use of LK as an effective neurocognitive-motor intervention in pediatric motor rehabilitation. Future research should explore the long-term effects and comparative efficacy of LK against other therapeutic modalities.

This trial was retrospectively registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the ID: IRCT20190908044722N10 on April 19, 2025, after data collection had begun, due to administrative delays in the registration process. The full registration record is available at: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/82797/viewhttps://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/user/trial/82797/view.