Article

Limit of stability (LOS) is an important yet under-examined postural control
ability in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study
aimed to (1) compare the LOS and fall frequencies of children with and without
DCD, and (2) explore the relationships between LOS parameters and falls in the
DCD population. Thirty primary school-aged children with DCD and twenty age- and
sex-matched typically-developing children participated in the study. Postural
control ability, specifically LOS in standing, was evaluated using the LOS test.
Reaction time, movement velocity, maximum excursion, end point excursion, and
directional control were then calculated. Self-reported fall incidents in the
previous week were also documented. Multivariate analysis of variance results
revealed that children with DCD had shorter LOS maximum excursion in the backward
direction compared to the control group (p=0.003). This was associated with a
higher number of falls in daily life (rho=-0.556, p=0.001). No significant
between-groups differences were found in other LOS-derived outcomes (p>0.05).
Children with DCD had direction-specific postural control impairment,
specifically, diminished LOS in the backward direction. This is related to their
falls in daily life. Therefore, improving LOS should be factored into
rehabilitation treatment for children with DCD.
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