Participation - Highlighted Project

Effectiveness of a Summer Camp Intervention for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

In collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Regional Pediatric Team, Dr. Zwicker investigated the effectiveness of a summer camp intervention in improving child-chosen functional motor goals, self-efficacy, and participation of children with DCD. This mixed methods study showed that the summer camp significantly improved performance and satisfaction in child-chosen goals and confirmed that task-specific, cognitive interventions are effective in meeting functional motor goals for children with DCD. Although no measurable improvements in self-efficacy and participation in physical activity were noted, parents and children reported noticeable gains in confidence and skills by participating in a summer camp for children with DCD. Camp participants also benefited from the group intervention by interacting with other children with DCD and gaining a better understanding of the disorder. The intensive, group-based summer camp is a valuable alternative to improve the functional skills of children with DCD, while providing other notable benefits. The research portion of the camp is now complete, but the camp is running again in July 2014. Please contact Mike Hilliard at mike.hilliard@vch.ca for more information.

Research Team Member	Title	Affiliations
Dr. Jill Zwicker, Project Lead	Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, UBC
	Vancouver Coastal Regional Pediatric Team