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:: Volume 29, Issue 6 (Bimonthly 2025) ::
Feyz Med Sci J 2025, 29(6): 610-622 Back to browse issues page
The Effect of Selected Games on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and the Development of Gross Motor Skills in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Amir Hamzeh Sabzi *
Department of Physical Education, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran , amir.hamze2005@gmail.com
Abstract:   (550 Views)
Background and Aim: Developmental coordination disorder is associated with significant difficulties in motor skills and functional challenges, highlighting the need for effective interventions. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of a structured, play-based protocol on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the development of gross motor skills in boys with this disorder.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design, 40 boys diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (confirmed by the Wilson test) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The experimental group participated in a selected games protocol for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week, totaling 24 sessions), while the control group received no intervention. Gross motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (TGMD-2), and BDNF levels were measured via blood sampling before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed a significant difference between the two groups in post-test scores (after adjusting for pretest effects). Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a significant increase in serum BDNF levels, as well as significant improvements in overall gross motor skills scores and all assessed sub-skills (including running, hopping, long jump, etc.) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that a structured, play-based motor intervention can simultaneously elevate the biomarker BDNF and significantly enhance gross motor skills in children with developmental coordination disorder. Therefore, incorporating such targeted programs into rehabilitation protocols for these children, particularly considering potential neurobiological mechanisms, is recommended.
Keywords: Developmental coordination disorder, Gross motor skills, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, game, Children
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2025/07/15 | Revised: 2025/12/29 | Accepted: 2025/10/25 | Published: 2025/12/30
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Sabzi A H. The Effect of Selected Games on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and the Development of Gross Motor Skills in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Feyz Med Sci J 2025; 29 (6) :610-622
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