National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

In pediatric therapy, what is the primary goal when managing patients with developmental coordination disorder?

1. Improve upper body strength

2. Enhance coordination and motor skills

3. Increase aerobic capacity

4. Foster social interactions

The correct answer is: Enhance coordination and motor skills

In pediatric therapy, the primary goal when managing patients with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is to enhance coordination and motor skills. DCD is characterized by difficulties in motor skills that can significantly affect a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks, engage in physical activity, and participate in social settings. Therefore, targeted interventions focus on improving coordination, balance, and overall fine and gross motor skills to help these children become more functional in their daily lives. While improving upper body strength, increasing aerobic capacity, and fostering social interactions can be beneficial components of a comprehensive therapy approach, they are secondary to the main objective of enhancing the child's coordination and motor skills. By prioritizing these aspects, therapists can provide the foundation necessary for the child to develop confidence in their physical abilities, which can subsequently lead to improvements in strength, endurance, and social participation over time.