Improving Fundamental Motor Skills Through Gamification: Evidence from Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by substantial deficits in fundamental motor skills (FMS), including locomotor and object-control abilities. Traditional interventions often have limitations in accessibility and motivation. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a gamification-based FMS program for children with DCD. Methods: A pretest–posttest control-group quasi-experimental design with random assignment was used. Forty boys aged 7 - 10 years with DCD in Yasouj, Iran, were assigned to an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20) after meeting the diagnostic criteria. The intervention group received an 8-week gamification program consisting of three 45-minute sessions per week, whereas the control group received no intervention. Motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The intervention group significantly outperformed the control group in locomotor skills, object control skills, and overall motor quotient. The large effect sizes suggest potential clinical relevance; however, confirmatory research in larger samples is warranted. Conclusions: In this sample of children with DCD, an 8-week gamification-based intervention was associated with significant improvements in FMS. However, causal inference is limited by the quasi-experimental design. Pending replication in larger controlled studies, this approach shows promise for integration into educational and therapeutic settings.