Promoting participation in DCD: Physical activity levels and the social network

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Physical inactivity is a worldwide problem, also affecting children with motor problems, such as developmental coordination disorder. We try to understand what motivates children to start, continue, and stop having an active lifestyle and explore the role that the social network of the child can have to stimulate an active lifestyle. Recent Findings: Social network theory is useful for understanding individual and group behavior related to physical activity. Social networks, ranging from peers and parents to teachers and medical professionals were shown to play an important role in bringing about sustainable behavioral change. Up to now, little systematic research has been done into how social networks can be used to keep children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) physically active and motivated. Summary: Future studies should more systematically examine and target the social network of the child with DCD. This social network can then be used to develop interventions for a sustained physical active lifestyle leading to increased participation in the society.