Moving With Confidence: How Does Anxiety Impede Performance in Individuals With Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review It is well-established that anxiety levels are higher among people with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) compared to their peers. However, it is unclear whether this anxiety influences movement and behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to review studies demonstrating the influence of anxiety on movement and/or behaviour in non-DCD and DCD populations. Recent Findings When considering non-DCD literature, many studies have illustrated the influence of anxiety on movement. Only two papers were found which explicitly aimed to consider the influence of anxiety on movement in a DCD population. These findings are described and explored against a backdrop of the wider research field. Summary This paper has highlighted the potential role of anxiety in constraining movement patterns in DCD. While a great deal more evidence is needed before definitive conclusions, there is emerging evidence that motor behaviour may be related to task-specific anxiety in children with DCD.