Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)NCT07575178
Obstacle Course Versus Neuromotor Task Training in Children With DCD
A study testing Obstacle Course Training and Neuromotor Task Training in people with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor planning and functional mobility in children, leading to long-term functional and psychosocial difficulties. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of Obstacle Course Training (OCT) and Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) in improving motor… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 7 to 10 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- What is being tested?
- Obstacle Course Training and Neuromotor Task Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 10 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 7 to 10 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- • Diagnosis of DCD based on DSM4/5 criteria.
- Children aged 7-10.
- Gender male and female.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24 .
- Cognitive development appropriate for chronological age.
- Raven Intelligence Test Scale (IQ > 75) .
- Developmental Coordination Questionnaire ≤48 points: likely DCD (≤ 10th percentile).
- BOT-2 score ≤ 40.
Who cannot join
- History of surgery and lower limb injuries over the past 12 months.
- Use of assistive devices to balance and walk.
- Severe ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (if it significantly interferes with participation), or major psychiatric disorders.
- Taking neuroleptics or any other medications that significantly alter muscle tone, coordination, or attention.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Riphah Rehabilitation Center, Riphah International University
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Imran Amjad Phd, 03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
Khadija Liaquat MS-NMPT, 03334956854, khadijaliaquat90@gmail.com
- Recruiting
University Of Lahore Teaching Hospital ULTH
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Imran Amjad Phd, Phd, 033224390125, imranamjad@riphah.edu.pk
khadija Liaquat, MS-PT, 03334956854, khadijaliaquat90@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Obstacle Course Training and Neuromotor Task Training on Motor Planning and Functional Mobility in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor planning and functional mobility in children, leading to long-term functional and psychosocial difficulties. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of Obstacle Course Training (OCT) and Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) in improving motor planning and functional mobility in children aged 7-10 years diagnosed with DCD. Participants will be randomly allocated to either OCT or NTT for 9 weeks (two sessions per week). Outcomes will be assessed using standardized motor performance measures to determine the more effective intervention.
Read the detailed description
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 5-6% of school-aged children worldwide. Marked by impairments in motor coordination, skill development, and functional performance. The complex etiology of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is linked to atypical neurodevelopment, genetic predispositions, and associated co-morbidities such as ADHD and ASD, further influenced by perinatal factors like prematurity and low birth weight. DCD is associated with long-term consequences, including difficulties in activities of daily living (ADLs), reduced participation in physical activities, and impaired psychosocial functioning, which collectively increase the risk of obesity and lower self-efficacy. Early, targeted, and task-specific interventions are crucial. Among these, Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) focuses on improving motor planning through structured, cognitive strategies, while Obstacle Course Training (OCT) provides a dynamic setting that promotes functional movement and real-time problem-solving.
This randomized clinical trial will compare the effects of both interventions. The study will be conducted over 10 months at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH) pediatric rehabilitation center and Sehat Medical Complex (SMC) Hanjarwal. The duration of the intervention will be 9 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. There will be two study groups, and convenient sampling techniques will be used. Eligible participants will be children aged 7 to 10 years, both males and females, diagnosed with DCD based on DSM-5 criteria, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24 and an IQ above 75 on the Raven Intelligence Scale. Screening for DCD will be done using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and motor proficiency will be assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). Children with a DCDQ score of ≤48 and a BOT-2 score of ≤40 will be included. Children with other neurological, psychiatric, or orthopedic conditions will be excluded. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Obstacle Course Training (OCT) or Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) to assess which intervention more effectively improves motor planning and functional mobility. SPSS version 27 will be used for data analysis.
- Being tested
- Obstacle Course Training, Neuromotor Task Training
- Keywords
- DCD, Motor coordination, Neuromotor training,
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Skills Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Obstacle Course TrainingBehavioural
Participants will perform Obstacle Course Training on a 12-meter walkway with a midpoint obstacle at low (30% leg length) and high (50% leg length) heights. Training includes single-task walking (8 trials) and dual-task walking (16 trials) with concurrent visual discrimination tasks using flashcards. Walking time, toe clearance, and response accuracy will be recorded. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 9 weeks.
Neuromotor Task TrainingBehavioural
Each session will involve task-oriented activities arranged in multiple stations. Activities will be broken down into planning, execution, and evaluation phases and will include soccer, netball, basketball, tagging games, rope skipping, and other age-appropriate functional games. Children will perform tasks with therapist guidance and feedback to enhance motor planning and performance.
Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes, including warm-up, main activities, and cool-down. The intervention will be delivered over 9 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Obstacle Course Training (OCT) | Experimental | Participants will receive structured Obstacle Course Training focused on over-ground walking with obstacle negotiation. Training targets motor planning, toe clearance, and functional mobility under single- and dual-task conditions. Receives: Behavioral: Obstacle Course Training |
| Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) | Experimental | Participants will receive neuromotor task training using task-oriented activities focused on motor planning, execution, and evaluation through structured, game-based stations. Receives: Behavioral: Neuromotor Task Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) for fine and gross Motor Skills
The BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) scoring converts raw scores into precise motor proficiency metrics for ages 4-21, using sex-specific norms
Measured: 9 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures functional mobility and fall risk in seconds. The test requires a participant to stand up, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. Results < 10 seconds indicate normal mobility, while times >13.5-14 seconds indicate a higher risk of falls and frailty, requiring further evaluation
Measured: 9 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Arshmaan Mahmood, MS-PPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07575178
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RCR&AHS/25/0708/Arshmaan
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
1. Fogel Y, Stuart N, Joyce T, Barnett AL. Relationships between motor skills and executive functions in developmental coordination disorder (DCD): A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2023;30(3):344-56. 2. Castellucci G, Singla R. Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia). StatPearls [Internet]: StatPearls Publishing; 2024. 3. Karabak M, Akıncı MA, Yıldırım Demirdöğen E, Bozkurt A. Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder in primary school children. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024:1-12. 4. Li H, Ke X, Huang D, Xu X, Tian H, Gao J, et al. The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2024;12:1387406.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Obstacle Course Training and Neuromotor Task Training on Motor Planning and Functional Mobility in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07575178
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCR&AHS/25/0708/Arshmaan
- Keywords
- DCD, Motor coordination, Neuromotor training,
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor planning and functional mobility in children, leading to long-term functional and psychosocial difficulties. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of Obstacle Course Training (OCT) and Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) in improving motor planning and functional mobility in children aged 7-10 years diagnosed with DCD. Participants will be randomly allocated to either OCT or NTT for 9 weeks (two sessions per week). Outcomes will be assessed using standardized motor performance measures to determine the more effective intervention.
Detailed description
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 5-6% of school-aged children worldwide. Marked by impairments in motor coordination, skill development, and functional performance. The complex etiology of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is linked to atypical neurodevelopment, genetic predispositions, and associated co-morbidities such as ADHD and ASD, further influenced by perinatal factors like prematurity and low birth weight. DCD is associated with long-term consequences, including difficulties in activities of daily living (ADLs), reduced participation in physical activities, and impaired psychosocial functioning, which collectively increase the risk of obesity and lower self-efficacy. Early, targeted, and task-specific interventions are crucial. Among these, Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) focuses on improving motor planning through structured, cognitive strategies, while Obstacle Course Training (OCT) provides a dynamic setting that promotes functional movement and real-time problem-solving.
This randomized clinical trial will compare the effects of both interventions. The study will be conducted over 10 months at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH) pediatric rehabilitation center and Sehat Medical Complex (SMC) Hanjarwal. The duration of the intervention will be 9 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. There will be two study groups, and convenient sampling techniques will be used. Eligible participants will be children aged 7 to 10 years, both males and females, diagnosed with DCD based on DSM-5 criteria, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24 and an IQ above 75 on the Raven Intelligence Scale. Screening for DCD will be done using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and motor proficiency will be assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). Children with a DCDQ score of ≤48 and a BOT-2 score of ≤40 will be included. Children with other neurological, psychiatric, or orthopedic conditions will be excluded. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Obstacle Course Training (OCT) or Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) to assess which intervention more effectively improves motor planning and functional mobility. SPSS version 27 will be used for data analysis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Obstacle Course Training (OCT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Obstacle Course TrainingParticipants will receive structured Obstacle Course Training focused on over-ground walking with obstacle negotiation. Training targets motor planning, toe clearance, and functional mobility under single- and dual-task conditions. |
| Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Neuromotor Task TrainingParticipants will receive neuromotor task training using task-oriented activities focused on motor planning, execution, and evaluation through structured, game-based stations. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 7 to 10 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- • Diagnosis of DCD based on DSM4/5 criteria.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of surgery and lower limb injuries over the past 12 months.
- Use of assistive devices to balance and walk.
- Severe ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (if it significantly interferes with participation), or major psychiatric disorders.
- Taking neuroleptics or any other medications that significantly alter muscle tone, coordination, or attention.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Obstacle Course TrainingParticipants will perform Obstacle Course Training on a 12-meter walkway with a midpoint obstacle at low (30% leg length) and high (50% leg length) heights. Training includes single-task walking (8 trials) and dual-task walking (16 trials) with concurrent visual discrimination tasks using flashcards. Walking time, toe clearance, and response accuracy will be recorded. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 9 weeks. | Behavioural | Obstacle Course Training (OCT) |
| Neuromotor Task TrainingEach session will involve task-oriented activities arranged in multiple stations. Activities will be broken down into planning, execution, and evaluation phases and will include soccer, netball, basketball, tagging games, rope skipping, and other age-appropriate functional games. Children will perform tasks with therapist guidance and feedback to enhance motor planning and performance. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes, including warm-up, main activities, and cool-down. The intervention will be delivered over 9 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. | Behavioural | Neuromotor Task Training (NTT) |
Primary outcome
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) for fine and gross Motor Skills
Time frame: 9 weeks
The BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) scoring converts raw scores into precise motor proficiency metrics for ages 4-21, using sex-specific norms
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time frame: 9 weeks
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures functional mobility and fall risk in seconds. The test requires a participant to stand up, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. Results < 10 seconds indicate normal mobility, while times >13.5-14 seconds indicate a higher risk of falls and frailty, requiring further evaluation
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
- Background1. Fogel Y, Stuart N, Joyce T, Barnett AL. Relationships between motor skills and executive functions in developmental coordination disorder (DCD): A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2023;30(3):344-56. 2. Castellucci G, Singla R. Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia). StatPearls [Internet]: StatPearls Publishing; 2024. 3. Karabak M, Akıncı MA, Yıldırım Demirdöğen E, Bozkurt A. Prevalence and associated factors of developmental coordination disorder in primary school children. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2024:1-12. 4. Li H, Ke X, Huang D, Xu X, Tian H, Gao J, et al. The prevalence of developmental coordination disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2024;12:1387406.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Arshmaan Mahmood, MS-PPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Obstacle Course Training and Neuromotor Task Training in people with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Imran Amjad Phd, MS (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) for fine and gross Motor Skills (time frame: 9 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07575178, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.