Can brain games boost the benefits of exercise for kids with DCD?
NCT ID NCT07813052
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers test whether adding cognitive training to a 10-week exercise program helps children with developmental coordination disorder improve balance, motor skills, and fitness more than exercise alone. Twenty children aged 7 to 11 join the study and are randomly assigned to either combined training or exercise-only training. Both groups train three times a week for 60 minutes, and researchers measure changes in balance, coordination, speed, and endurance.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a combined exercise and cognitive training program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-risk way to help children with DCD improve their movement and fitness.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is very small, with only 20 children, so results may not apply broadly. Exercise and cognitive training may not add more benefit than exercise alone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Finished
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Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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7 to 11 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Children aged between 7-11 years old. 2. Satisfied screening criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder: MABC-2 total percentile ≤16 or sub-item percentile ≤5; meet age-cut-off score of DCD-Q questionnaire. 3. Caregiver reported motor difficulties have presented from early developmental stage. 4. Participants are capable of completing all training and assessment procedures. 5. Written informed consent provided by legal guardians. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders. 2. Severe organic disease that contraindicates physical exercise. 3. Receiving concurrent physical therapy or occupational therapy targeting motor coordination during study period.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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