Objectives To investigate the core symptoms of children aged 3 - 6 years with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and to analyze their association with emotional and behavioral problems, in order to provide evidence for comprehensive intervention strategies. Methods From October 2023 to December 2024, 126 children aged 3 - 6 years diagnosed with DCD were recruited from the Child Health Department of Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, along with 126 age-matched healthy controls.Motor coordination was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2), and emotional/behavioral problems were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).The relationship between core DCD symptoms and emotional/behavioral outcomes was analyzed. Results The DCD group exhibited significantly lower MABC-2 scores in manual dexterity (15.83±2.75 vs.25.68±4.24), aiming/catching (10.13±2.11 vs.20.10±3.08), static/dynamic balance (21.62±3.27 vs. 28.37±4.60), and total motor coordination (46.92±4.56 vs. 74.38±6.72) compared to controls (t=5.813, 6.698, 4.621, 9.463, P<0.01).Abnormal SDQ rates in the DCD group were higher for emotional symptoms (15.08% vs. 6.35%), hyperactivity/inattention (33.33% vs. 8.73%), and total difficulties (11.90% vs. 4.76%) (χ2 =5.019, 22.961, 4.208, P<0.05).Negative correlations were observed between DCD core symptoms (age, manual dexterity, aiming/catching, balance, total motor coordination) and SDQ emotional/behavioral problems (r:-0.52 to -0.10,P<0.05), while positive correlations existed with prosocial behavior (r＝0.18-0.33,P<0.05).Multivariate regression confirmed that static/dynamic balance (β =-0.47) and total motor coordination (β =-0.59) independently predicted reduced emotional/behavioral difficulties (P<0.01). Conclusions DCD children demonstrate significant deficits in fine/gross motor and balance skills, alongside elevated emotional/behavioral problems—particularly hyperactivity/inattention.Core DCD symptoms correlate with worse psychosocial outcomes, suggesting that symptom severity exacerbates functional impairments.Increased awareness, early screening, and targeted interventions are urgently needed to mitigate long-term developmental risks.
Key words
developmental coordination disorder /
core symptoms /
emotional and behavioral problem /
preschool children
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