Strengthening Children's Coordination and Balance in Everyday Life (KiKoBal)

Sperimentale: Balance Training Group

Altro: Exercise

The balance exercise program is conducted over a four-week period and consists of two training sessions per week. Each session lasts about 30 to 35 minutes. During each session, various balance exercises are performed, with each exercise consisting of two sets of 30 seconds each. There is a 60-second rest between sets and a 90-second rest between individual exercises.

The intensity of the training is adjusted by progressively increasing the level of difficulty. Initially, the exercises are performed with support and under simpler conditions, while additional challenges-such as closing the eyes, omitting arm support, or performing additional cognitive tasks-are integrated as the program progresses. The training method consists of functional balance training with static and dynamic exercises on stable and unstable surfaces (e.g., exercise mat, balance board, or balance beam).

Altro: Exercise

The strength training program is conducted over a period of four weeks and includes two training sessions per week. Each session lasts about 30 to 35 minutes and includes six to eight exercises. These are performed in two sets with a variable number of repetitions, with breaks of one to two minutes between exercises.

The intensity of the training is controlled by the number of repetitions and the subjective exertion, which should not exceed a value of 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. The exercises are performed at a slow to moderate speed to ensure controlled execution.

The program consists of functional strength exercises using one's own body weight as well as simple training equipment (e.g., medicine ball or exercise ball). It primarily incorporates coordinative and stabilizing movement patterns designed to be child-friendly (e.g., crawling movements, holding exercises, or dynamic whole-body exercises).

Comparatore attivo: Strength Training Group

Altro: Exercise

The balance exercise program is conducted over a four-week period and consists of two training sessions per week. Each session lasts about 30 to 35 minutes. During each session, various balance exercises are performed, with each exercise consisting of two sets of 30 seconds each. There is a 60-second rest between sets and a 90-second rest between individual exercises.

The intensity of the training is adjusted by progressively increasing the level of difficulty. Initially, the exercises are performed with support and under simpler conditions, while additional challenges-such as closing the eyes, omitting arm support, or performing additional cognitive tasks-are integrated as the program progresses. The training method consists of functional balance training with static and dynamic exercises on stable and unstable surfaces (e.g., exercise mat, balance board, or balance beam).

Altro: Exercise

The strength training program is conducted over a period of four weeks and includes two training sessions per week. Each session lasts about 30 to 35 minutes and includes six to eight exercises. These are performed in two sets with a variable number of repetitions, with breaks of one to two minutes between exercises.

The intensity of the training is controlled by the number of repetitions and the subjective exertion, which should not exceed a value of 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. The exercises are performed at a slow to moderate speed to ensure controlled execution.

The program consists of functional strength exercises using one's own body weight as well as simple training equipment (e.g., medicine ball or exercise ball). It primarily incorporates coordinative and stabilizing movement patterns designed to be child-friendly (e.g., crawling movements, holding exercises, or dynamic whole-body exercises).

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test 2nd Edition german version

Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition is standardized for children and adolescents aged 4 to 21 years and 11 months, and the full test takes 45 to 60 minutes to perform. The BOT-2 is used to detect deviations from the norm and to support the assessment of motor impairments, including the likelihood of a diagnosis for DCD. It measures fine and gross motor proficiency, with subtests focusing on stability, mobility, strength, coordination, and object manipulation. Results can be reported as raw scores, scale scores, composite scores, percentile ranks, or standard scores. The minimum and maximum values depend on the specific subtest or composite score used. For standard scores, higher values indicate a better result, as they reflect stronger motor proficiency compared with age-based norms. Lower values indicate greater deviation from the norm and poorer motor performance.

Handgrip strength

The Jamar Hand Dynamometer is a standardized instrument used to measure hand grip strength in children, adolescents, and adults. It is commonly used in clinical practice and research to assess upper limb strength, functional hand performance, and changes in muscle strength over time. The test is typically performed within a few minutes and involves the participant squeezing the dynamometer with maximal effort, usually across repeated trials for each hand. The result is recorded in kilograms or pounds of force. The minimum value is 0 kg/lb, if no grip force is produced. The maximum value depends on the measuring range of the specific dynamometer model, commonly up to about 90 kg or 200 lb. Higher values indicate a better result, as they reflect greater isometric hand grip strength and upper limb muscle function.

Flexibility

The Sit and Reach Test is a standardised test used to assess flexibility, particularly that of the lower back and hamstring muscles. It is commonly used with children, adolescents and adults in clinical, educational and research settings. The test is quick to administer and usually takes only a few minutes to perform. During the test, the participant sits with their legs extended and reaches forward as far as possible towards or beyond their toes. The distance reached is then measured using a sit-and-reach box or measuring scale. The result is recorded in centimetres. Depending on the test setup, values may be positive when the participant reaches beyond the toes and negative when they do not reach the toes. Therefore, there is no fixed universal minimum or maximum value, as the range depends on the measuring scale and individual performance. Higher values indicate greater flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles, and therefore a better result.

Aerobic endurance

The 6-Minute Walk/Run Test is a standardised field test used to evaluate the aerobic endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness of children, adolescents and adults. The test takes six minutes to complete. During the test, participants are instructed to walk or run as far as possible on a marked track or defined course within six minutes. The total distance covered is recorded in metres and can be compared with age- and sex-specific reference values. The minimum value is 0 metres if no distance is covered. There is no fixed maximum value as this depends on the individual's performance and the distance they complete within six minutes. Higher values indicate a better result as they reflect greater aerobic endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness and functional exercise capacity.

Self-reported level of physical activity

The MoMo Questionnaire for Students is a standardised self-report tool used to evaluate the physical activity and sports-related behaviour of children and adolescents. It records activity in various contexts, including everyday life, school, leisure time and sports clubs, and considers frequency, duration and intensity. Outcome variables can include activity days per week, minutes per week and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. MET-minutes per week are calculated as follows: MET-min/week = days/week × minutes/day × MET value. The minimum value is 0 MET-min/week, while the maximum depends on the reported duration and assigned intensity. Higher values indicate a better result as they reflect a greater amount and/or intensity of physical activity.