Abstract

Objective To analyze the cardiac autonomic control at rest, during, and after aerobic activity and assess the physical activity and performance of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and Typically Developing children (TD) in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Methods Forty-seven children participated in this case-control study, 21 with DCD. Cardiac autonomic control was assessed using heart rate variability using the Polar® V800 at rest in supine orthostatic postures, during the 6MWT, and during recovery seated in a chair. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children. Results Children with DCD presented significant alterations in cardiac autonomic control during orthostatic (increased LFnu, p = 0.016; decreased HFnu, p = 0.016) and exercise (decreased Δ2LFnu, p = 0.002; and increased Δ2HFnu, p = 0.002) compared with children with TD. However, no significant differences in distance covered on the 6MWT or physical activity were observed. Conclusion Children with DCD presented impaired cardiac autonomic control at rest and during the orthostatic rest stimulus before the 6MWT. © 2025 HCFMUSP.