Standardized motor assessments before the age of five predicting school-aged motor outcome including DCD: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed at primary-school-age. This systematic review aimed to summarize available standardized motor assessments before five years of age predicting DCD, complex Minor Neurological Disorder (cMND) and motor delay assessed by a standardized motor test. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, WoS, Scopus, CENTRAL and ERIC. A hand search was executed. Only data of non-Cerebral Palsy children was included. RESULTS: At or before two years, the BSID, motor subtests of GMDS, NOMAS, and NSMDA might be valuable in detecting school-aged motor delay, while starting at three years, the PDMS, motor subtests of GMDS, NSDMA, M-ABC-2, and CAMPB show promising results. General movements Assessment is associated with cMND, but does not seem sensitive enough to detect DCD. Predictive values are superior in high-risk groups and improve as children age. However, no assessment instrument reached 80% sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Standardized motor assessments before five years seem valuable in detecting early motor problems. More longitudinal research commencing in infancy, including multiple assessments over time and the implementation of clear diagnostic criteria is imperative.