Health-related physical fitness management for a child with Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by tics, which are repetitive, stereotypical, involuntary movements and vocalizations. Although the causes of TS are not completely understood, previous studies indicated that many children with TS not only experience comorbid conditions such as a lack of concentration, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but also demonstrate poorer motor skills than their peers with typical development. There is limited information on health-related fitness exercises and/or physical therapy for children with TS. A 12-year-old boy with TS demonstrated below-age appropriate motor function with a less optimal musculoskeletal condition, including pain in the posterior portion of both lower extremities. After performing individualized health-related physical fitness exercises, he demonstrated a better muscu-loskeletal condition and motor function. Unexpectedly, he reported he was able to suppress motor tics occasionally by doing stretching exercises. The results suggest that evaluation and management of health-related fitness may be helpful for children with TS. These promising results warrant further investigation of the impact of health-related physical exercises on children with TS.