tailieunhanh - Arm trajectories and writing strategy in healthy children

Evaluation of elementary writing skills in children is usually obtained with high resolution (and high cost) techniques or with low resolution pen-and-paper tests. In this observational study we tested a quantitative method to obtain normative data to describe arm movement during a writing precursor gesture. | Chiappedi et al. BMC Pediatrics 2012 12 173 http 1471-2431 12 173 BMC Pediatrics RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Arm trajectories and writing strategy in healthy children 1 1 2ml 1 2 1 1 Matteo Chiappedi Rosella Togni Elisabetta De Bernardi Ilaria Maria Carlotta Baschenis Sara Battezzato Umberto Balottin3 Elena Dalla Toffola1 and Maurizio Bejor1 2 Abstract Background Evaluation of elementary writing skills in children is usually obtained with high resolution and high cost techniques or with low resolution pen-and-paper tests. In this observational study we tested a quantitative method to obtain normative data to describe arm movement during a writing precursor gesture. Methods We recruited 226 healthy children mean age 9 1 years range - years attending primary schools belonging to the Istituto Comprensivo of Rivanazzano Terme Pavia . We asked to drive a cursor through a polygonal path labyrinth projected in front of them using a wireless mouse. Dartfish video analysis software was used to elaborate images and Excel MedCalc and Statistica 7 to analyze values of shoulder elbow and wrist ranges of motion arm trajectories execution times and gesture accuracy. Results Differences seen in motor strategies when divided according to attended class suggest a proximal-distal maturation of motor control. Obtained values were not significantly correlated with variables such as gender ethnicity or cognitive functioning. Conclusions This type of approach to a study of arm movement during childhood represents a valid alternative to other tests considering that it can differentiate children who perform similarly in the VMI test and is non-invasive low-cost and easily reproducible. Background Arm movements are the final result of a complex mechanism involving motor algorithms structured according to motor experience 1 . The brain network involved is complex and not yet completely understood 2 . Stability and adaptability of motor performances are .