Context: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects motor coordination. The mirror neuron system (MNS) supports observational motor learning and is central to this process. DCD is thought to involve neurological impairments related to internal modeling and the MNS, resulting in difficulties in motor learning through impaired observation and imitation abilities. Evidence Acquisition: This literature review aimed to identify studies published between January 2017 and May 2024 that examined cognitive-motor processes, including imitation, motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO), or the combined use of motor imagery and action observation (AOMI), in relation to developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Results: This literature review included 26 original studies and 5 review articles. Growing evidence supports the internal modeling deficit (IMD) hypothesis, which posits impairments in predictive motor control. Empirical research also indicates that targeted training exercises incorporating MI and AO, either alone or in combination, may be promising for addressing challenges in motor planning. Conclusions: Motor imitation approaches, including AO, MI, and AOMI, may be effective interventions for improving motor skills in children with DCD. These methods are often more effective than traditional physical training techniques and have demonstrated positive outcomes not only in healthy individuals but also in rehabilitation contexts. In experimental and intervention studies, these approaches resulted in a significant increase in imitation bias (109% to 128% above baseline), reduced movement errors, faster visuomotor adaptation, and improved functional motor outcomes and were more effective than observation or physical practice alone.

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