| The effect of eight weeks of dramatic play on motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder |
| Paper ID : 1747-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Foad Niknasab *1, حامد فهیمی2 1University of Tehran 2هیات علمی دانشگاه آزاد واحد خوراسگان |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have difficulties in coordinating movements, as well as slowness and inaccuracy in performing motor skills (Farhat et al., 2025). In general, compared to typically developing children, they show poorer performance in motor tasks (Gao et al., 2024). In recent years, the development of motor proficiency has been influenced by educational programs. One of the educational approaches that is highly emphasized during childhood is play (Goodway et al., 2019). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of dramatic play on motor proficiency in children with DCD. Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a follow-up phase. Twenty-four boys aged 7 to 10 years from Tehran with DCD, selected according to inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to two groups: dramatic play and control. In the pretest stage, participants completed the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). The intervention phase lasted for six weeks, with three 40-minute sessions per week. The dramatic play group performed the designed play-based program, while the control group continued their routine daily activities. The posttest was administered during the final session. Short-term and long-term follow-ups were conducted one day and 42 days after the posttest, respectively. Data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that dramatic play had a significant effect on improving gross motor skills and fine motor skills in children with DCD (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on these findings, dramatic play can be considered an enjoyable, movement-based approach that effectively enhances motor proficiency in children with DCD. Since such play activities provide diverse opportunities for experience, repetition, and motor interaction, leading to activation of neuromuscular systems and increased motor self-efficacy, they can be used as an efficient approach in rehabilitation and educational programs for children with DCD. |
| Keywords |
| Gross Motor Skills, Fine Motor Skills, Play, Developmental Coordination Disorder |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
