Hasselt University
  • Hasselt, Belgium
Recent publications
To transition to a Circular Economy, architecture schools are incorporating Design for Circularity (DfC) into their curricula. Integrating circularity into full-scale Design/Build prototypes helps students connect sustainable design theory with practice and application of concepts. This paper examines the gap between circular design intentions and real-world barriers, focusing on DfC with wood in two educational projects. The first, in Belgium, follows a “design from reuse” approach using short-length reclaimed sawn-timber to create a small-scale canopy structure. The second, in the USA, adopts a “design for reuse” approach, using plywood to develop a reusable kit-of-parts. In the analyzed cases, the non-standard nature of DfC requires a holistic life-cycle perspective, presenting challenges in material sourcing and quality assessment, significant variability in sizes and condition, and uncertainty regarding mechanical properties. Furthermore, utilizing frequently smaller reclaimed timber elements increases the number of connections, requiring original solutions. These issues complicate architectural design, structural calculation, and permitting and influenced the design and construction in both cases. An analysis of successful DfC cases shows parallels with lessons learned, identifying common barriers and suggesting solutions. Using reclaimed wood for structural purposes requires thorough planning for transportation, storage, regrading, and reprocessing. Design flexibility is critical to accommodate dimensional variability and mechanical downgrading. When designing for reuse, adequate fabrication tolerances and well-designed connections are key to ensuring structural integrity and easy disassembly. Increased educational projects can build a robust knowledge base, leading to currently lacking standardized procedures and streamlining DfC practices in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. This paper enhances understanding of DfC with wood and Design/Build education by identifying barriers, opportunities, and methods to improve education and training, aiming for a more sustainable built environment.
Species delimitation is essential to study and conserve biological diversity. It is traditionally based on morphological trait variation observed in one or a few specimens. Nevertheless, such assessments may not sufficiently take intraspecific trait variation into account, misidentifying morphotypes as separate species. The use of high-throughput sequencing data alongside morphological data in taxonomic studies may substantially improve the accuracy of taxonomic assessments. The Musa genus, commonly known for comprising the wild relatives of banana varieties, consists of about seventy described species. However, the taxonomic status of multiple Musa species is uncertain due to typification errors and the lack of high-quality specimens. The species M. splendida and M. viridis from northern Viet Nam only substantially differ from each other in the color of their male flower bracts, which is red to pinkish-red in M. splendida and pink in M. viridis. Consequently, their taxonomic status as separate species has been debated. Here, we studied the genetic relationships between 121 M. splendida and M. viridis plants using high-throughput sequencing data (DArTseq) in which we identified 51,188 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that individuals genetically clustered in a principal component analysis (6 clusters), fastStructure analysis (four groups), and ASTRAL-III consensus phylogenetic tree (nine clades) based on their population origin rather than by their taxon identity. In addition, a strong signal for an isolation-by-distance pattern between populations was observed. Plants identified as M. viridis were more closely related to M. splendida plants from the same region than to M. viridis plants from other regions. Hence, we propose to treat M. viridis as a synonym of M. splendida.
Aims/hypothesis This multicentre prospective observational cohort study aimed to evaluate real-world changes in glycaemic and person-reported outcomes after 1 year’s use of Control-IQ technology in adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods Adults who started with Control-IQ between December 2021 and December 2022 were consecutively recruited in 13 Belgian diabetes centres. Data were collected at start and after 4, 8 and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the evolution of time in range (TIR; glucose levels of 3.9–10.0 mmol/l). Data are reported as mean ± SD or least-squares mean (95% CI). Results A total of 473 adults were included, with a mean age of 38.5 ± 13.1 years and of whom 57.3% were female. TIR increased from 58.8% (95% CI 56.7, 60.9) at start to 70.9% (69.1, 72.8) at 12 months (p<0.001). HbA1c decreased from 57.3 mmol/mol (56.1, 58.5) (7.4% [7.3, 7.5]) to 49.5 mmol/mol (48.5, 50.6) (6.7% [6.6, 6.8]) and time <3.9 mmol/l from 4.2% (3.9, 4.6) to 1.9% (1.8, 2.1) (all p<0.001). Participants scored better on the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey version 2 worry (22.5 [21.3, 23.7] vs 18.1 points [17.0, 19.3]), the Problem Areas in Diabetes - Short Form (7.2 [6.7, 7.8] vs 6.1 points [5.5, 6.7]), and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status (25.5 [24.8, 26.2] vs 31.0 points [30.4, 31.6]) (all p<0.001). The number of self-reported severe hypoglycaemia events (37.5 [21.3, 65.9] vs 15.7 [9.7, 25.3] events per 100 person-years, p=0.002) and work absenteeism days (116.3 [42.8, 315.5] vs 69.3 [25.4, 189.2] days per 100 person-years, p=0.034) decreased. Conclusions/interpretation One-year use of Control-IQ was associated with better glucose management, improved diabetes-related quality of life, more treatment satisfaction, less severe hypoglycaemia and less work absenteeism in adults with type 1 diabetes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04414280 Graphical Abstract
Social norms are flexible regulating forces of human behavior. They are shaped by humans, whose actions in turn are shaped by their environment, including the online social spaces they venture into. The objective of this research is to create an understanding of how the affordances of social media platforms shape social norm dynamics in online publics, particularly in climate change publics. For this purpose, we make a comparative analysis of the practices of users on Instagram and Twitter that engage with climate change content. We conducted 22 in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of worldwide Twitter and Instagram users. We investigated how each platform’s specific affordances shape the participants’ sense of community and how they participate in social norm enforcement and contestation, also called “callouts.” This “affordances-in-practice” perspective brings observations on the differences in how users can actualize the novel affordances of “interventionability” and “external visibility” on both platforms. This research provides a deeper insight into the socio-technical processes underlying the (self-)organization of social movements and provides a pathway to investigating discursive practices of online publics on other platforms. The study avoids debating which norms should prevail over others in the online climate discussion, but does reflect on the negative impact that certain outcomes of norm enforcement and contestation might have on democratic deliberation on climate change. The main findings are that actualizing these affordances on Twitter anno 2023 makes climate discourse sensitive to group-loyalties, whereas on Instagram it makes it dependent on norm leaders in the form of content creators.
Background Alemtuzumab is a disease-modifying therapy for highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Sustained efficacy up to 9 years was observed in the phase IIIb/IV open-label TOPAZ clinical trial and assessed in the real-world retrospective and prospective study, TREAT-MS. Objectives To examine long-term efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab in participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) and highly active disease (HAD) by combining up to 13 years of TOPAZ data and TREAT-MS interim data. Design TOPAZ: Randomized participants completing core CARE-MS I and II could receive additional alemtuzumab (12 mg/day, 3 consecutive days; ⩾12 months apart) for 11–13 years after initiating treatment. TREAT-MS: Participants from German MS clinics were observed for 4 years after last alemtuzumab treatment phase. Methods Efficacy outcomes (annualized relapse rate (ARR), change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 6-month confirmed disability worsening/improvement, magnetic resonance imaging), and adverse events (AEs) were examined. Primary HAD definition (⩾2 relapses in the year prior to baseline and ⩾1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion at baseline), and two alternative HAD definitions were assessed. Results More participants from CARE-MS I (28%) and II (24%) met primary HAD criteria than TREAT-MS (~14%). Mean ARR for alemtuzumab-treated HAD participants was significantly reduced in CARE-MS I and II (0.14 and 0.15, respectively, Years 3–13) and in TREAT-MS (0.24, >2 years). Stable/improved EDSS scores were achieved by 74% of HAD participants in CARE-MS I, 67% in CARE-MS II (both Year 11), and 79% in TREAT-MS (Year 3.6), with 6-month CDI achieved by about half at Year 11 (CARE-MS I, II). Annual treatment-emergent AE incidences declined in TOPAZ and were lower in TREAT-MS. Conclusion Sustained efficacy of alemtuzumab was observed for clinical and radiological outcomes in participants with HAD in the TOPAZ clinical trial and real-world TREAT-MS study with no new safety signals. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (CARE-MS I, NCT00530348; CARE-MS II, NCT00548405; CARE-MS Extension Study, NCT00930553; TOPAZ, NCT02255656). Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (TREAT-MS, NIS 281).
Surgical revision options for failed trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement include implant replacement and trapeziectomy. However, discontinuation of older implants complicates revision with original components, particularly as removing a well-fixed metacarpal stem can be challenging. This study examined the feasibility of pairing discontinued stems (Arpe, Elektra and Ivory) with currently available necks (Maïa, Moovis and Touch). We analysed the metallurgical composition, insertion depth, contact surface area and mechanical stability for all possible combinations of these implants. Our findings show compatibility of both Ivory and Arpe stems with the Touch neck and of the Elektra stem with the Moovis neck. Under strict lateral loading, fixation was stable up to 826.87 N, surpassing in vivo forces. Microscopic evaluation after the biomechanical load-to-failure test showed negligible damage to the connecting surfaces. These results suggest that it is safe to pair discontinued stems with currently available necks in revision trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty.
This study compared antegrade and retrograde headless intramedullary compression screw fixation for fractures of the proximal third of the proximal phalanx. Antegrade fixation showed superior stability, provided more rigid fixation and preserved the smaller distal articular surface of the proximal phalanx.
Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) feature a polymer channel capable of conducting both ions and electronic charges. The choice of the channel material is critical for OECT performance. Many efforts have focused on improving performance via the chemical tunability of conjugated polymers – through backbone, side chain, and molar mass engineering – leading to useful design principles for accumulation‐mode OECT materials. However, tuning the chemical structure of conjugated polymers often requires time‐consuming optimization of the synthesis route. Meanwhile, variations in molar mass, dispersity, structural defects, and metal content present challenges when attempting to analyze the detailed effects of structural modifications, as multiple performance‐determining factors are often (unintentionally) changed at the same time. Therefore, this study explores blended channel materials obtained by physically mixing glycolated and alkoxylated polymers in different ratios, and compares their OECT performance with the corresponding statistical copolymers. It is shown that mixing two well‐performing materials creates blends that enable rational tuning of the transistor properties without compromising on performance. Thus, channels based on blends of alkoxylated and glycolated polymers hold promise for OECT technology with tailored response, as only two materials are needed to achieve any desired side chain ratio, simplifying the optimization of OECT characteristics.
DNA denaturation, the process of separating double-stranded DNA into single strands, plays a critical role in fundamental biological processes such as transcription, replication, and repair. Despite extensive studies on its thermodynamic properties, the effects of thermal fluctuations on DNA denaturation have not yet been explored. This paper addresses this gap by developing a statistical mechanical model to analyze homogeneous DNA denaturation thermodynamics with thermal fluctuations. Using the partition function framework, this study introduces two major corrections to the entropy of the system induced by thermal fluctuations: (1) a logarithmic correction of the leading order and (2) a higher-order correction term proportional to the inverse of the entropy. Analytical calculations and numerical analysis reveal that these corrections significantly influence the thermodynamic properties, including specific heat and free energy, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the DNA melting process. The corrected entropy modifies the specific heat profile, resulting in a sharp peak that reflects a first-order phase transition during DNA denaturation. The inclusion of higher-order corrections introduces asymmetry in the specific heat curve, highlighting the cooperative behavior of DNA melting. Furthermore, the free-energy analysis suggests the presence of intermediate states during strand separation, which are critical for understanding the initiation and propagation of the denaturation process. The results align well with experimental DNA melting profiles, particularly in the transition region, and provide insights into the microscopic mechanisms underlying DNA melting. This study not only advances the theoretical framework for DNA denaturation by explicitly incorporating thermal fluctuations but also offers a platform for future experimental validation and applications in biological systems. These findings have broader implications for understanding DNA stability under physiological conditions, cellular processes such as transcription initiation, and the role of ionic environments in modulating DNA thermodynamics.
Purpose The present study aims to describe initial changes in muscle thickness and composition, muscle growth signaling mediators, and systemic inflammation in critically ill patients after major trauma. Methods This observational study was carried out in a Level-I nonprofit trauma center. Thirty adults requiring mechanical ventilation were assessed within 24 h post-admission. Skeletal muscle wasting was evaluated using ultrasound for muscle thickness and echogenicity along with circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and inflammatory cytokines over five consecutive days. Changes over time were assessed using ANOVA repeated-measures analysis with a Bonferroni post-hoc test. Bivariate correlations were evaluated using Pearson or Spearman coefficients. Results Over five days, a significant decrease (11%) in rectus femoris thickness (3.91 ± 0.86 to 3.47 ± 0.64, cm, p = 0.01) and an increase (29%) in echogenicity (62.1 ± 13.1 to 80.4 ± 17.3, AU, p < 0.01) were observed among the 30 patients included in this study. Circulating levels of IGF-1 exhibited a 38% reduction (68.8 ± 43.6 to 42.4 ± 29.4, ng/mL, p = 0.01). Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFN-y) increased by 17% (4.83 ± 1.39 to 5.66 ± 1.61, pg./mL, p = 0.02) from day 1 to day 5. Conclusions These findings reveal substantial thickness and muscle composition alterations within 48 h post-admission, worsening over five days. Despite standard rehabilitation care, changes in IGF-1 and IFN-y levels suggest early declines in muscle growth stimulus and increased inflammation.
Long-term survivors after allogeneic cell transplantation (HCT) have unique needs. We performed a cross-sectional case-control study to describe the survivorship profile of 244 adult allogeneic transplantation recipients at a median of 8.4 years post-HCT and compared it to controls from the general population (matched 1:3 based on age, gender, and province of residence). The most prevalent medical complications were graft versus host disease (46.7%), impaired kidney function (63.9%), and the presence of a metabolic syndrome (33.6%). Survivors were significantly more likely to report a sub-optimal perceived health status than controls (82.0% versus 52.1% respectively, OR 4.57, p < 0.0001). They also reported significantly lower employment rates (42.6% versus 55.6% respectively, OR 0.389, p < 0.0001) and more polypharmacy (32.0% versus 9.6% respectively, OR 5.0, p < 0.0001) than matched counterparts. Social support and mental health were generally preserved. Apart for a concerning tendency to medication non-adherence, low physical activity (54.5%), and inappropriate exposition to UV (44.7%), health-related behavior was adequate. Many survivors have a health status comparable to chronically ill patients and, if so, should be managed as such. Novel patient-centered initiatives based on chronic care models could support survivors in preventing and dealing with long-term complications, regaining functionality, and returning to their role in society.
Objective Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is diagnosed by imaging and clinical scoring using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). These methods have limited value for prognosis. Here, the prognostic value of plasma neurofilament‐light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and contactin‐1 (CNTN‐1) was analyzed. Methods Biomarker levels were determined in the plasma of traumatic SCI patients ( n = 37) and healthy controls ( n = 22). SCI samples ( n = 112) were collected at different time points from 0 to 4 days to 18 weeks post‐injury. NfL and GFAP were measured by single molecule array (Simoa) technology, CNTN‐1 by Luminex. Baseline and outcome AIS and motor scores were collected as a measure of injury severity. Results NfL, GFAP, and CNTN‐1 showed different kinetics in SCI patients over time. Baseline biomarker levels could identify AIS‐A SCI patients (NfL + GFAP) and discriminate between patients with a motor score change <5 and those with a change ≥5 (NfL + GFAP+CNTN‐1). Longitudinally, NfL could identify AIS‐A patients up to 12 weeks post‐SCI and discriminate between patients with a motor score change <5 and those with a change ≥5 up to 18 weeks post‐SCI. Further, baseline biomarker levels positively (NfL + GFAP) or negatively (CNTN‐1) correlated with outcome injury severity and together could accurately predict AIS conversion (AUC 0.863) and motor score change (AUC 0.857). This predictive ability was maintained in subacute/chronic SCI stages. Interpretation In conclusion, plasma NfL, GFAP, and CNTN‐1 are potential prognostic biomarkers in SCI. This is important for patient stratification in clinical trials, prediction of neurological outcome and informed decision‐making in SCI treatment and rehabilitation. ANN NEUROL 2025
To fully comprehend host-microorganism interactions, it is crucial to understand the composition and diversity of the microbiome, as well as the factors that shape these characteristics. We investigated microbiome variation using the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, an invertebrate model in regeneration biology and (eco-)toxicology, by exposing the organisms to various controlled conditions. The microbiome composition exhibited high variability, with most of the bacteria belonging to the Betaproteobacteria. Among the diverse microbial communities, a few genera, such as Curvibacter, were consistently present, but exhibited significant alterations in response to changing conditions. The relative abundance of Curvibacter fluctuated during the regeneration process, initially increasing before returning to a composition similar to the beginning situation. After applying external stress, the relative abundance of Curvibacter and other genera decreased. Variation over time, between different origin laboratories and between individuals, showed that additional, yet to-be-identified, factors of variation are present. Taking all results together, our study provides a solid basis for future research focusing on bacterial functionality in planarians and other invertebrates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-86920-0.
Background Falls are a major problem in community-dwelling older people. Multifactorial falls prevention interventions are recommended as intervention. However, poor implementation impacts successful outcomes of multifactorial falls prevention interventions. The context is critical to understand variation in implementation and clinical outcomes. This study aims to analyze and describe determinants at all levels of the context that influence the implementation of a multifactorial falls prevention intervention in the community in Flanders (Belgium). Methods This study consists of semi-structured interviews with 6 key persons, 3 focus group interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 16), 1 focus group with local policy makers (n = 6) and 4 semi-structured interviews and 1 focus group (n = 3) with older people. The Integrated Checklist of Determinants of Practice (TICD checklist) was used to develop the interview guide and to make sure that there was enough understanding of the contextual determinants at the different domains. The interviews and focus groups were verbatim transcribed and analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL). To clarify themes, data were coded in NVivo 12™. Results We identified 4 key themes related to successful implementation of a multifactorial falls prevention intervention in the community setting: (1) stakeholder involvement and participation, (2) Fostering awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills for falls prevention, (3) working proactively and (4) communication, collaboration, coordination and financing care. This study identified 33 determinants of the TICD checklist and all 7 domains were represented. Conclusions Understanding the existing structures, norms, policies and contextual factors allows us to proactively tailor the implementation strategies and a multifactorial falls prevention intervention to the community context.
Background Gallstone disease is common after gastric surgery and especially after weight loss from bariatric surgery. In patients with normal gastroduodenal anatomy, treatment of common bile duct stones (CBS) generally consists of, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), followed by cholecystectomy in a second stage. However, after gastric surgery the papilla may not be easily accessible endoscopically. The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic success of single-stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) after previous gastric surgery. Methods In this observational cohort study, all LCBDE in patients with previous gastric surgery between January 2014 and July 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Gastric surgery consisted of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, BII subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy and subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Outcomes of interest consisted of successful duct clearance, postoperative adverse events and CBS recurrence. Results Forty-four patients (M/F: 22/22) underwent LCBDE after previous gastric surgery, in which simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed in 38 cases. Median (range) age 68 (25–90) years. Presence of CBS was confirmed in 38 patients (85%), a choledochal polyp in one patient (2%) and recurrence of gastric cancer in another (2%). Duct clearance was successful in 37 out of 38 patients (97%). Median (range) length of stay after LCBDE was 1 (0–12) day(s). Eight patients developed a postoperative adverse event, of which three Clavien-Dindo > 3a complications. Three patients were readmitted. At a median (range) follow-up of 60 (24–120) months, no CBS recurrences were observed. Conclusions LCBDE is a safe technique, with a high rate of successful duct clearance after previous gastric surgery, even after previous cholecystectomy. In experienced centers, LCBDE provides a valid alternative for complex interventional endoscopy, omitting the need for the creation of a gastro-gastric fistula.
The molecular order of the photo‐active molecules in organic solar cells and exciplex organic light emitting diodes based on donor–acceptor mixed systems has major influence on the performance. However, it is usually investigated only by indirect measurements or simulations. Here, low‐temperature scanning probe microscopy is used to directly image the molecular assembly, intermolecular bonding configuration, and domain interfaces of vacuum‐deposited donor and acceptor molecules BF‐DPB and BPyMPM on different single crystalline substrates with submolecular resolution. It is demonstrated that the position of the nitrogen atoms in the peripheric pyridine rings of BPyMPM molecules determines the occurrence of intermolecular C─H…N hydrogen bonds, metal coordination bonds, and related self‐assemblies. Two dominating self‐assembled structures of BF‐DPB are found, based either on its cis or trans configuration. In general a distinct increase in disorder occurs at the BF‐DPB:BPyMPM interface where scanning tunneling spectroscopy indicate an increase in the HOMO‐LUMO gap at disordered agglomerates of BF‐DPB. The crucial effect of the choice of substrate on the molecular order is illustrated. Photoluminescence measurements indicate a considerable increase in intersystem crossing in BF‐DPB due to molecule‐substrate interactions. These findings provide new insights for the targeted molecular design of active molecules and suitable contact layers in organic optoelectronic devices.
Understanding the processes that drive phenotypic diversification and underpin speciation is key to elucidating how biodiversity has evolved. Although these processes have been studied across a wide array of clades, adaptive radiations (ARs), which are systems with multiple closely related species and broad phenotypic diversity, have been particularly fruitful for teasing apart the factors that drive and constrain diversification. As such, ARs have become popular candidate study systems for determining the extent to which ecological features, including aspects of organisms and the environment, and inter- and intraspecific interactions, led to evolutionary diversification. Despite substantial past empirical and theoretical work, understanding mechanistically how ARs evolve remains a major challenge. Here, we highlight a number of understudied components of the environment and of lineages themselves, which may help further our understanding of speciation and AR. We also outline some substantial remaining challenges to achieving a detailed understanding of adaptation, speciation, and the role of ecology in these processes. These major challenges include identifying factors that have a causative impact in promoting or constraining ARs, gaining a more holistic understanding of features of organisms and their environment that interact resulting in adaptation and speciation, and understanding whether the role of these organismal and environmental features varies throughout the radiation process. We conclude by providing perspectives on how future investigations into the AR process can overcome these challenges, allowing us to glean mechanistic insights into adaptation and speciation
Background Long-COVID is defined as the persistency or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation. Common persistent symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbances, post-exertional malaise (PEM), pain, and cognitive problems. Long-COVID is estimated to be present in about 65 million people. We aimed to explore clinical and biological factors that might contribute to Long-COVID. Methods Prospective longitudinal cohort study including patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and March 2022. Patients were assessed between 4 and 12 months after infection at the COVID follow-up clinic at UZ Leuven. We performed a comprehensive clinical assessment (including questionnaires and the 6-min walking test) and biological measures (global DNA methylation, telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, inflammatory cytokines, and serological markers such as C-reactive protein, D-dimer, troponin T). Results Of the 358 participants, 328 were hospitalised, of which 130 had severe symptoms requiring intensive care admission; 30 patients were ambulatory referrals. Based on their clinical presentation, we could identify 6 main clusters. One-hundred and twenty-seven patients (35.4%) belonged to at least one cluster. The bigger cluster included PEM, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain (n = 57). Troponin T and telomere shortening were the two main markers predicting Long-COVID and PEM-fatigue symptoms. Conclusions Long-COVID is not just one entity. Different clinical presentations can be identified. Cardiac involvement (as measured by troponin T levels) and telomere shortening might be a relevant risk factor for developing PEM-fatigue symptoms and deserve further exploring.
Motor behavior alterations are common in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the extent of motor impairment remains unclear. In autism and ADHD, motor difficulties may be linked to co-occurring DCD, which often goes unrecognized. We aimed to map the prevalence of DCD in autism and ADHD, and to explore motor skill difficulties using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), by comparing children with typical motor development (TMD) with those who have NDDs, and by identifying specific profiles among NDDs. A combined sample of participants (n = 215), including autistic children with(out) intellectual disability (ID) and children with ADHD, DCD, and TMD, performed the MABC-2. Depending on co-occurring DCD/ID, subgroups were composed: autism-only (n = 17), autism + ID (n = 17), autism + DCD (n = 40), ADHD-only (n = 14), ADHD + DCD (n = 12), DCD (n = 25), and TMD (n = 59). MABC-2 differences between TMD/NDDs (Mann–Whitney U test) and among NDDs (Kruskal–Wallis test) were assessed. DCD occurred in 70.2% of the autistic children without ID and in 46.2% of those with ADHD. Children with NDDs performed significantly worse than the TMD (p < 0.001). Manual dexterity skills, aiming and catching, and balance were significantly different across the NDD subgroups (p ≤ 0.001). Particularly children with ( +)DCD and autism + ID performed worse on manual dexterity skills. Children with ( +)DCD were outperformed on aiming and catching. All subgroups, except the ADHD-only group, performed poorly on balance. Conclusion: Distinct motor difficulties were identified across various NDDs. Children with co-occurring ID or DCD exhibit unique challenges, stressing the importance of motor profile subgrouping. What Is Known: • Despite the common occurrence of motor behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders, the extent of motor impairment remains unclear. • Motor difficulties in autism and ADHD may be linked to co-occurring DCD, which often goes unrecognized. What Is New: • DCD occurred in 70% of the autistic children without ID and in 46% of those with ADHD. • Children with co-occurring ID or DCD exhibit unique challenges, stressing the importance of motor profile subgrouping.
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5,471 members
Steven Maesen
  • Expertise Centre for Digital Media (EDM)
Ivo Lambrichts
  • Morphology Research Group (MORFO)
Sara Leroi-Werelds
  • Faculty of Business Economics (BEW)
Wouter Maes
  • Faculty of Sciences
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Address
Hasselt, Belgium
Head of institution
Prof. Dr. Luc De Schepper