Delayed motor skills associated with pediatric obesity

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature regarding associations between developmental motor delay (DMD) and pediatric obesity. We hope to identify potential interventions that can improve motor coordination at an early age, thereby minimizing the deterring factors of physical activity down the road.

Design: An integrative review was undertaken using search combinations to best identify potential publications. Manuscripts were reviewed, summarized, and discussed in detail. An experienced clinician in pediatric obesity reviewed the final searches for substantive content.

Criteria: Inclusion criteria include English language studies or publications, children ≤18 years old, publication/study relates to DMD and pediatric obesity. Excluded publications regarded topics of pediatric obesity that have been extensively studied such as maternal and family histories of obesity, isolated nutritional or physical interventions to improve obesity without discussion of DMD.

Results: 21 publications were included for review. Papers fell into three main categories regarding the association between pediatric obesity and DMD: 1) Motor function - negative association with motor function and obesity 2) Motor Development - lower levels of motor function are associated with decreased levels of exercise, and 3) Role of Intervention - specific physical activity intervention showed improvements in motor function.

Conclusions: Motor function deficits appear to be associated with obesity. However, it is not well understood if children with obesity have delayed motor skills as a consequence of their weight or if the DMD is a risk factor for the development of obesity; existing studies do not provide an answer.

Keywords: Intervention; Motor development; Pediatric obesity.