Is screening for motor skill deficits in Tyrolean preschool children warranted and feasible? A protocol for a two-stage cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show deviations in motor development and motor skills in early childhood where the learning and execution of coordinated motor skills are below the level expected for their age. Early detection of DCD is critical to provide an opportunity for intervention and support, yet many cases remain undetected until school age. The study described aims to determine the warranty, feasibility and validity of a mobility screening in Tyrolean kindergartens and evaluate its potential benefit to enhance the motor development prospects of affected children.

Methods And Analysis: This research employs a two-stage cross-sectional approach with 6 months of follow-up assessments. The initial stage involves a playful mobility screening for all participating kindergarten children, followed by individual assessments for those displaying conspicuous motor skills. Motor skills will be evaluated using MobiScreen 4-6 and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Prior to the screening, informed consent is obtained from kindergarten bodies and authorities, parents and the children themselves. Parents are provided with information sheets and questionnaires to assess their attitudes and their child's eligibility. The study described aims to form a representative sample of kindergarten children, aged 4-6, in Tyrol. To target approximately 20-40 children with DCD for follow-up, the goal is to include 650 children, assuming an incidence of 3%-6%. For the follow-up, matching control groups will be formed and information about how identified motor deficits were addressed, including therapies or sports, will be gathered. Quantitative data will mainly be analysed descriptively, while feedback from kindergarten teachers regarding the practical implementation will be analysed using qualitative content analyses, according to Mayring.

Ethics And Dissemination: The study has been approved by the Research Committee for Scientific Ethical Questions (RCSEQ 3369/24). Findings will be disseminated through contributions, peer-reviewed journals, and conferences.