Summary.
Objective. ADHD is frequently accompanied by motor coordination problems. However, the co-occurrence of poor motor performance has
received less attention in research than other coexisting problems in ADHD. The underlying mechanisms of this association
remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of motor coordination problems in a large sample of children with
ADHD, and the relationship between motor coordination problems and inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Furthermore,
we assessed whether the association between ADHD and motor coordination problems was comparable across ages and was similar
for both genders.
Method. We investigated 486 children with ADHD and 269 normal controls. Motor coordination problems were rated by parents (Developmental
Coordination Disorder Questionnaire) and teachers (Groningen Motor Observation Scale).
Results. Parents and teachers reported motor coordination problems in about one third of children with ADHD. Problems of fine and
gross motor skills, coordination skills and motor control were all related to inattentive rather than hyperactive/impulsive
symptoms. Relative to controls, motor coordination problems in ADHD were still present in teenagers according to parents;
the prevalence diminished somewhat according to teachers. Boys and girls with ADHD were comparably affected, but motor performance
in controls was better in girls than in boys.
Conclusions. Motor coordination problems were reported in one third of children with ADHD and affected both boys and girls. These problems
were also apparent in adolescents with ADHD. Clinicians treating children with ADHD should pay attention to co-occurring motor
coordination problems because of the high prevalence and the negative impact of motor coordination problems on daily life