Effects of Trampoline Exercises in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background & Objectives Developmental Coordination Disorder is a condition that affects motor performance and causes difficulty in learning, and activities of daily living. This condition is very prevalent in children who suffer from poor balance and motor impairments. The Objectives of this study are to determine the effects of trampoline exercises on motor performance and to assess the balance and quality of life in children. Methodology This randomized, placebo treatment-control trial was conducted at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad Pakistan. Sample of 26 children, diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder consecutively aged 5–12 years meeting inclusion criteria were isolated into two groups; control and experimental using purposive sampling. The Participants in the control group performed conventional physical therapy and the experimental group received trampoline jumping exercise interventions 3x times a week for one hour and 1 hour 15 mins for experimental (trampoline group) for eight weeks with conventional physical therapy sessions. We used three validated questionnaires; Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCDQ), Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and Paediatric Quality of life (PQL). The data were analyzed using SPSS 21. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 26 participants, the mean age and S.D were 8.8±1.0. About 43% were males and 58%, were females. In the experimental group, the motor performance showed a significant difference between the two groups in the 8th-week p<0.007, and non-significant results for balance improvement p>0.05. The quality of life showed significant results at the 4th week with a p<0.03 and a non-significant difference between a group at the 8th week with p>0.05 and both groups estimated a p<0.001. Conclusion Although physical therapy is commonly utilized for treating children with developmental disorders, incorporating trampoline exercises into the program has been associated with improved motor performance.