Knowledge of physical therapists about developmental coordination disorder in Fortaleza, Brazil

Conocimiento de fisioterapeutas sobre el trastorno de coordinación del desarrollo en Fortaleza, Brasil

ABSTRACT

The study sought to analyze whether undergraduate students and physical therapy professionals have the necessary knowledge to intervene with children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and whether they can identify their terms, concepts and motor and psychosocial characteristics. The sample was divided into two groups: professionals (n=45) and physical therapy students (n=16), who responded to a questionnaire based on previous studies on the topic, presented via an online form. Data collection occurred over 12 weeks, and the data were descriptively analyzed, presenting absolute and relative response frequencies. All 61 participants indicated a lack of knowledge about DCD. Although the term was considered more familiar among students (56.2%) compared to professionals (48.8%), all participants, overall, demonstrated limited knowledge about aspects related to the definition, prevalence, and identification of DCD. Participants highlighted the need for additional training on the subject. It was evident that due to the lack of knowledge about DCD, strategies to disseminate information about the topic are essential. This is crucial for incorporating DCD into common diagnostic possibilities for the pediatric population, particularly in regional contexts.

Keywords
Developmental Coordination Disorder; Knowledge; Motor Disorders; Physiotherapy