Core Stability Training Versus Task Oriented Training

Clinical Rehabilitation published research comparing core stability training versus task oriented training in improving motor proficiency in 22 children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), ages 6-9 years old.  The intervention consisted of one time per week for 8 weeks, face to face sessions of either core stability exercises or task oriented training.  Children in both groups also were asked to carry out home exercise programs daily.  

For assessment, the Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Second Edition) and Sensory Organization Test were utilized pre- and post-intervention with the following results recorded:

1.  Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the change of motor proficiency standard score and composite equilibrium score on the Sensory Organization Test 

2.  change after the intervention indicated significant improvement in motor proficiency in both the core stability and task-oriented training groups.

3.  the composite equilibrium score was significantly increased in the task-oriented training group, but not in the core stability group.

4.  with the task-oriented training group, compliance with the home program was positively correlated with change in motor proficiency and composite equilibrium score.

The researchers concluded that the core stability exercise program was as effective as task-oriented training in improving motor proficiency among children with DCD.

Reference:  Mei K Au et al.  Core stability exercise is as effective as task-oriented motor training in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study. Published online before print March 25, 2014, doi: 10.1177/0269215514527596 Clin Rehabil March 25, 2014 0269215514527596.

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