Motor Competence in Children with CHARGE Syndrome

Abstract

Children with Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, Restricted growth, Genital hypoplasia, and Ear abnormalities (CHARGE) syndrome have many sensory impairments that can cause delays in motor development impacting physical activity, health, and quality of life. However, only one limited study has investigated motor competence in children with CHARGE syndrome. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in motor competence between children with and without CHARGE syndrome and the relationship between motor competence and age at independent walking, an important motor milestone. Thirty-three children with CHARGE syndrome and 38 typically developing peers were assessed on 13 motor skills using the Test of Gross Motor Development–Third Edition. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire about their child’s age, sex, and motor milestones. Results indicated that the children with CHARGE syndrome were significantly behind their typically developing peers for all motor skills (p < .001). Age at independent walking in children with CHARGE syndrome was significantly later than their typically developing peers (p < .001) and had significant negative correlations with all motor skills (p < .01). The results of the study demonstrate a clear need for interventions focused on improving motor competence in children with CHARGE syndrome. Intervention planning should include a multidisciplinary team of relevant service providers to ensure the individualized needs of the child are met.