Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the quality of evidence obtainable from published clinical trials on motor interventions, and assess whether the quality, in terms of methods and results, is sufficient to enable the development of evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice on children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Here, a systematic review was conducted, with the addition of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized studies, with no language or time restrictions. Pre-school and school-aged children of both sexes, with DCD were considered for inclusion. As the primary outcome, the motor skills of the children were evaluated. Searches were conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Results revealed that 1002 studies were encountered. After screening, 21 studies were initially considered eligible. Finally, after analysing the full articles, 9 studies involving 339 children were selected, comprising 6 randomized controlled trials and three quasi-randomized studies. The quality of evidence of most of the included trials was sufficient to recommend motor interventions for clinical practice on children with DCD. Finally, more clinical trials would be needed so as to define the best intervention, since different interventions presented positive effects.

Key words: Disabled children, motor skills disorders, intervention