Correlation between the accuracy and speed of hand control in primary schoolchildren and the amount of screen time

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Introduction. The means and methods of computerized learning introduced into the education system in recent years are changing the attitude towards writing with a pen. Children are increasingly typing on a keyboard. This brings into focus research investigations aimed at identifying the possible influence of the above-mentioned type of educational activity on the indicators of psychomotor skills. The purpose of this research is to study accuracy and speed indicators of psychomotor coordination when working with hands in primary school students, depending on the amount of computer load (screen time). Materials and Methods. The study involved 4205 primary schoolchildren in grades 1-4 from 66 educational settings in Moscow (5 academic years, testing took place in October and March-April; all samples were independent). Indicators of psychomotor coordination (speed, accuracy, and smoothness of movements) when performing a motor test using "computer movement meter" (CMM) device were evaluated. The amount of lesson and out-of-school screen time was evaluated by teachers, relying on the hygiene standards: 0 points – no load, 1 point – compliance with hygiene standards, 2 points – twice exceeding the standards, 3 points – exceeding the standards by 3 or more times. Statistical data processing was performed using nonparametric criteria. Results. The research revealed the correlation between the total (lesson and out-of-school) screen time and indicators of psychomotor coordination in primary schoolchildren. The most obvious differences in psychomotor indices were found at the very beginning of school education – in October, in the 1st grade: in children with a minimum amount of computer load, the indicators of speed and accuracy were the worst. Speed indicators of psychomotor skills in groups of children (especially boys) with a high computer load have seasonal variability in the form of improvement by the end of the school year. Accurate indicators of psychomotor skills, on the contrary, with an increase in the amount of general computer load, lose variability and decrease. The smoothness of movements did not depend on the screen time. Conclusions. The identified changes in the psychomotor skills of primary school students who are active computer-users can be considered as a positive adaptive response in the form of developing new motor skills.