2026/01/01 by Mary Luz Ocampo-Plazas, Crystal E. Alvarez, Jacqueline Williams +2 · 1 voice
Psychology · Medicine · #Children's Physical and Motor Development #Infant Development and Preterm Care #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
paper · doi:10.1123/jmld.2025-0072
openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex created_date 2026/01/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Effective interventions for mental health and physical health in children with developmental coordination disorder are needed. eHealth-based interventions may offer promising approaches for this population. This study explored the impact of an eHealth intervention that combined educational materials, social media support, and step-measured physical activity for families of children with developmental coordination disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 12) or a waitlist control group ( n = 6). Both groups completed an 8-week, educational-based program delivered via social media. Garmin activity watches were used to track daily step counts, and 12 of the 18 families completed both pre- and postinvention assessment. None of the participants met international physical activity guidelines. While overall quality of life, school functioning, and physical functioning improved, social functioning and psychosocial health showed contrasting perceptions between parents and children. Although the intervention did not impact physical activity levels, it was associated with improvements in quality of life. These findings suggest that eHealth interventions may need to go beyond education and consider additional strategies to support physical activity engagement in children with developmental coordination disorder and their families.