Understanding the Functional Mobility of Adults with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Through the International Classification of Functioning (ICF)

Purpose of review: This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of six adults with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and its potential impact on functional mobility. Utilising the International Classification of Functioning [1] the data derived from interviews were analysed to consider how persistent motor impairments impact on activity engagement and participation.

Recent findings: Much of the research evidence pertaining to DCD focuses on children. However, there is increasing acknowledgment that for some the motor impairments synonymous with DCD continue into adulthood.

Summary: The findings from this study suggest that for this group of participants functional mobility can be compromised, restricting activity and participation. At a body structure/function level, participants identified additional impairments that moved beyond mobility, suggesting that the secondary consequences of fatigue and anxiety were disabling. However, personal factors were seen to mitigate some difficulties encountered to allow participants to remain actively engaged in a range of adult roles.