Acta Univ. Palacki. Olomuc., Gymn. 2008 38(4): 25-30

Prediction of learning difficulties with the test of complex imitation of movement

Tjaša Filipčič, Martina Ozbič

Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is one of all of the heterogeneous range of developmental disorders affecting the initiation, organization and performance of actions. It is often being overlooked in school practice and in everyday work with children. Therefore, the aim of this article is to draw attention to this problem and prove how children with DCD can be easily recognized by teachers of different subjects. Especially PE teachers are those who can recognize pupils with learning difficulties, in informal tasks, and later on organize appropriate intervention. A quicker prognosis can lead to faster intervention resulting in the progress of children with DCD in their movement abilities. This research has shown that on the basis of twenty tasks of the Bergès-Lézine's test of the complex imitation of movement/gestures, we can predict which children have some learning difficulties and which do not. Particularly we wish to emphasize three tasks (12, 17 and 20) where children had to cross the vertical midline of their bodies. These three tasks involve bilateral coordination. Children with DCD signs face problems in spatial orientation and in complex imitation of movement/gestures. On the basis of great differences, found in tasks where pupils had to cross the vertical midline of their bodies and rotate their palms, children can be classified into two groups (with and without motor and learning difficulties).

Keywords: DCD, learning difficulties, manual constructional dyspraxia

Prepublished online: May 12, 2009; Published: September 1, 2008  Show citation