Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency-2 Research Articles

The Effect of a Table Tennis Exercise Program With a Task-Oriented Approach on Visual Perception and Motor Performance of Adolescents With Developmental Coordination Disorder.

In this study we investigated the effects of an 8-week table tennis exercise program with a task-oriented approach on visual perception and motor performance of 31 adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The participants were identified by their teachers as having greater difficulty than their peers (450 students from three Korean middle schools) in physical education (PE) classes. On the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2, these adolescents scored below the 15th percentile and showed difficulties in performing daily life activities due to motor performance problems; they did not have physical defects, intellectual or neurological impairments, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Of 98 prospective adolescents with PE difficulties, we obtained personal assent and parents' informed consent from 54, and 31 of these met screening criteria for DCD through the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-Korean. This final group was divided in non-random fashion (based on the proximal geographic grouping of the children's schools) between an experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in the 8-week task-oriented table tennis training program with three 90-minute sessions per week, while the control group only participated in regular PE classes twice per week. We measured participants' visual perception and motor performance in the same environment before and after the intervention program. Participants' visual perception was significantly more improved in the experimental group than the control group, with specific improved skills in visual-motor search, visual-motor speed, figure-ground, and visual closure; copying and perceptual constancy skills did not improve significantly. In addition, total motor performance and motor sub-skills, including fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination, strength, and agility were significantly more improved in the experimental group than in the control group. Thus, our task-oriented table tennis exercise program was of greater assistance than general PE classes for improving visual perception and motor performance in adolescents at risk of DCD.

The relationships between motor skills and executive functions in children with and without autism spectrum disorder.

To date, information on associations between motor skills and executive functions (EF) in autistic children is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare motor skills and EF performance between autistic children and typically developing (TD) children and to examine the relationships between motor skills and EF in these two groups. Forty-eight autistic children and 48 TD children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited for this study. Motor skills were measured with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2). EF was assessed with the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), and the Test of Attentional Performance: Go/No-go test. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the BOT-2 scores and EF measures between autistic children and TD children. Pearson product-moment correlation and regressions were conducted to assess the relationships between the BOT-2 scores and the EF measures for each group. Results showed that autistic children scored significantly lower than TD children on all four BOT-2 composite scores and a total motor composite. Autistic children also demonstrated significantly lower levels of performance on all EF measures than TD children. Further, autistic children showed more significant associations between motor skills and EF than TD children, particularly pronounced in the domains of fine manual control and manual coordination to cognitive flexibility, as well as manual coordination and inhibitory control. Continued development of motor skills and EF in autistic children is important. The relationships between motor skills and EF were significant among autistic children, suggesting future research on promoting EF through motor skill interventions in autistic children is required.

Associations between motor competence and physical activity levels of children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder: Movement matters.

Motor competence is important for lifelong physical activity (PA). The current study aimed to examine associations between PA and motor competence. In total, 43 children aged 7-12years with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder completed anthropometric measures, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2, and wore a wrist accelerometer to capture total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), average acceleration, and intensity gradient. No significant associations were found between PA outcomes and motor competence. Motor competence performance was commonly 'below average' or 'average'. The weakest subtests were upper limb coordination and strength. The strongest subtest was running speed and agility. Total weekly MVPA was 336.1 ± 150.3min, higher than UK recommendations of 120-180 per week for disabled children and young people. Larger scale studies are needed to better understand the relationship between PA and motor competence. Future research should also consider the influence of environmental factors on PA in this group.

Assessment Tools Measuring Fundamental Movement Skills of Primary School Children: A Narrative Review in Methodological Perspective.

This paper aimed to analyze fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessment tools that could be used for primary school children. In this narrative review, the Motoriktest für Vier- bis Sechjärige Kinder (MOT 4-6), Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), Motorische Basiskompetenzen (MOBAK) Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK), Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), Maastricht Motoriek Test (MMT) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) were analyzed from a methodological perspective, such as the number of test items, tools and types of tests, in terms of the FMS area. The analysis revealed that to assess locomotor movement skills, the BOT-2 has an excellent test for running ability, but for detecting technical difficulties, the TGMD is recommended. To test hopping, the MMT is the best test. Object control movement skills are measured with throws, dribbles and catches. Most of the tools assessed these skills, but it turned out that the TGMD is the best for measuring object control. Stability movement skills are tested with static and dynamic balance tests. Dynamic balance is more frequently used, and the MOT 4-6, KTK and BOT-2 have the most tools to use. However, the MMT is an excellent test for static balance. Fine motor movement skills are easy to assess with the MMT and MOT 4-6, since they have low equipment requirements. The BOT-2 is the best measurement tool; however, it has high equipment requirements. All of the FMS assessment tools are good; however, we concluded that although these tools are excellent for research purposes, they are difficult to apply in a school setting. Thus, teachers and coaches are advised to always select a single task from the available assessment tools that is appropriate for the skills they would like to measure.

Physical function in children and adolescents pre- and 1-year post-liver transplant.

Several studies describe poorer motor developmental motor outcomes post-liver transplant (LT) in younger children. Limited studies examine physical function in older children and adolescents pre- and post-LT. Retrospective review of standard of care physical function outcome measures pre- and 1-year post-LT in children ≥6 years at LT. Measures include: 6-minute walk test (6MWT), grip strength, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) components, Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), and Paediatric Quality of Life Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Association of medical variables with outcomes was explored. The study cohort included 23 (8 male, median (interquartile range) age 11.67 (8.25, 13.92) years at LT) participants. Top two primary diagnoses included biliary atresia (30.4%) and fulminant hepatic failure (21.7%). At 1-year post-LT, over one-third (36%) were overweight or obese. Compared with healthy norms, children had significantly lower pre-LT PAQ scores (p = .002), pre- and post-6MWT scores (p < .001) and post-LT BOT-2 strength and agility scores (p < .001). Pre-LT, lower balance scores were associated with abdominal distention/ascites (p = .009) and splenomegaly (p = .017). Lower pre-LT platelet count correlated with poorer balance (r = .532, p = .017) and lower strength and agility scores (r = .446, p = .043). Significant moderate inverse correlations were found between weight/body mass index z-scores and BOT-2 components. Post-LT children continue to demonstrate decreased levels of motor proficiency and functional capacity but report less fatigue and increased physical activity. Older children and adolescents undergoing LT are at risk of decreased physical function, highlighting the need for pre- and post-LT rehabilitation to optimize long term outcomes.

Physical activity and physical fitness in children with heritable connective tissue disorders.

Health problems in patients with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD) are diverse and complex and might lead to lower physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF). This study aimed to investigate the PA and PF of children with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD). PA was assessed using an accelerometer-based activity monitor (ActivPAL) and the mobility subscale of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). PF was measured in terms of cardiovascular endurance using the Fitkids Treadmill Test (FTT); maximal hand grip strength, using hand grip dynamometry (HGD) as an indicator of muscle strength; and motor proficiency, using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOTMP-2). A total of 56 children, with a median age of 11.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 8.8-15.8) years, diagnosed with Marfan syndrome (MFS), n = 37, Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), n = 6, and genetically confirmed Ehlers-Danlos (EDS) syndromes, n = 13 (including classical EDS n = 10, vascular EDS n = 1, dermatosparaxis EDS n = 1, arthrochalasia EDS n = 1), participated. Regarding PA, children with HCTD were active for 4.5 (IQR 3.5-5.2) hours/day, spent 9.2 (IQR 7.6-10.4) hours/day sedentary, slept 11.2 (IQR 9.5-11.5) hours/day, and performed 8,351.7 (IQR 6,456.9-1,0484.6) steps/day. They scored below average (mean (standard deviation [SD]) z-score -1.4 (1.6)) on the PEDI-CAT mobility subscale. Regarding PF, children with HCTD scored well below average on the FFT (mean (SD) z-score -3.3 (3.2)) and below average on the HGD (mean (SD) z-score -1.1 (1.2)) compared to normative data. Contradictory, the BOTMP-2 score was classified as average (mean (SD) z-score.02 (.98)). Moderate positive correlations were found between PA and PF (r(39) = .378, p < .001). Moderately sized negative correlations were found between pain intensity and fatigue and time spent actively (r(35) = .408, p < .001 and r(24) = .395 p < .001, respectively). This study is the first to demonstrate reduced PA and PF in children with HCTD. PF was moderately positively correlated with PA and negatively correlated with pain intensity and fatigue. Reduced cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and deconditioning, combined with disorder-specific cardiovascular and musculoskeletal features, are hypothesized to be causal. Identifying the limitations in PA and PF provides a starting point for tailor-made interventions.

성인 발달성협응장애 특성과 평가에 관한 고찰

This study aimed to introduce the characteristics of adults with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and to provide basic information on assessment tools for screening adults with DCD. Firstly, we analyzed 25 domestic articles published from 2000 to 2022 selected based on predefined analysis criteria. It was confirmed that there was currently no domestic peer-reviewed journal article on adults with DCD in Korea, and one ongoing research on adults with DCD was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea. In addition, the assessment tools of DCD were primarily used on children for screening and evaluation purposes. Secondly, we adopted the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC), the most widely used tool in other countries for diagnosing adults with DCD, and converted it into Korean. While examining the studies on adults with DCD, we confirmed that the ADC questionnaire was usually used in conjunction with Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) or Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) to identify adults with DCD despite the age restrictions. The evaluation tools for screening adults with DCD included the ADC, a self-report questionnaire, and the MABC-2 and BOT-2, the two popular motor development assessment tools. We expect that the results of this study will be used as basic data to lay the groundwork for research and intervention for adults with DCD in Korea.

양측성 협응 운동과 시지각 훈련을 병행한 전정-고유감각 활동이 학령전기 발달 지연 아동의 감각통합기능 및 운동 발달에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combining vestibular-proprioceptive activities, bilateral coordination exercises, and visual perception training on sensory integration function and motor development in preschool-age children with developmental delay. This study is a case report of two male children with developmental delay, and was conducted over 16 sessions. In the initial evaluation and re-evaluation, the patients underwent a sensory profile, a motor fitness test (Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency-2), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Both sensory integration function and motor development were evaluated. During the intervention period, vestibular-proprioceptive activities were alternately combined with bilateral coordination exercises or visual perception training and performed for 40 minutes each. The differences between the initial evaluation and re-evaluation results of each patient were analyzed.&#x0D; When sensory integration function and motor development results before and after the intervention were compared, the first patient demonstrated improvement in seven areas and the second in four areas in the sensory profile. In the exercise fitness test, both patients demonstrated improved scores in all areas. Thus, it was confirmed that vestibular-proprioceptive activities, when combined with bilateral coordination exercise and visual perception training, had a positive effect on sensory integration function and motor development for preschool-age children with developmental delay.

Comparative effects of community-based family-child-centered care and conventional pediatric rehabilitation for cerebral palsy.

While the transdisciplinary-based rehabilitation provided ample evidence on improving impairment (body structure and functions) levels, the therapeutic effects on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) domains are unknown in cerebral palsy (CP). To compare the effects of the community-based family-child-centered care (CFC) and conventional pediatric rehabilitation (CPR) on the physical, cognitive, sensory, and social integration domains in children and adolescents with CP. Twenty-six participants with CP (mean age = 9.37±5.24, 14 females) were assigned into either CPR or CFC groups. Clinical outcomes included gross motor function measure (GMFM-66), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), fine motor area of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) cognition area, Short Sensory Profile (sSP), COPM, Pediatrics Quality of Life (PedsQL) questionnaire, Short Falls Efficacy Scale (sFES), and Dynamic Postural Instability (DPI). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted at P < 0.05. ANOVA revealed the superior effects of CFC in GMFM-66, PBS, BOT-2, FIM, and PedsQL compared to CPR (P < 0.05). ANCOVA showed the superior effects of CFC in Z-axis of DPI than CPR (P < 0.05). Our results provide novel, promising clinical evidence that CFC was more effective than CPR at improving impairment, activity, as well as participation levels in participants with CP.

Combined Effects of Virtual Reality and Computer Game-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Development of Visual-Motor Integration in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study.

Purpose Visual-motor integration is a good indicator of a child's overall developmental and functional level. This study investigated the combined effects of virtual reality (VR) and computer game-based cognitive therapy on the development of visual-motor integration in children with intellectual disabilities. Methods The study used a single-group pre-post study design and 13 children with intellectual disabilities who were recruited from a community rehabilitation center participated in the study. We used the Wii VR video game and the CoTras computer game to deliver cognitive therapy over 12 sessions. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) was used to evaluate motor function related to visual-motor integration to identify changes in function, and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-2 (DTVP-2) was used to assess changes in visual perception function associated with visual-motor integration. Results The VR and computer game-based cognitive therapy has shown significant difference in total standard score of BOT-2 associated with visual-motor integration representing improved motor function (p < 0.01). Comparison of the DTVP-2 scores showed the significant difference in visual-motor integration of spatial relation and visual-motor speed (p < 0.05), motor-reduced visual perception (p < 0.01), and general visual perception (p < 0.01). Conclusions Results of this study provide useful evidence supporting the possibility of combined VR and computer game-based cognitive therapy for children with intellectual disabilities.

【論文摘要】Effects of Health-related Fitness and Motor Skill Training Program in School-aged Children with Probable Developmental Coordination Disorder

Background and Purpose: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by impaired motor coordination that involves difficulty in fine motor and gross motor control and interferes with academic performance and activities of daily living. Due to poor motor coordination and inferior motor competence, children with DCD spend less time in physical activities and consequently result in underdeveloped health-related physical fitness and motor skills. However, evidence on the effect of intervention program focusing on both physical fitness and motor skill is limited. In addition, follow-up studies were also sparse. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate whether children with probable DCD would improve their motor skills, health-related physical fitness, and physical activity after receiving 8-week health-related physical fitness and motor skill training program, as well as the effects at 8-week follow-up. Methods: Nineteen children with probable DCD (≤ 15 percentile on Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition, MABC-2) aged 6 to 11 years were recruited and received 40-minute physical fitness and motor skill intervention twice a week for 8 week. All subjects were collected for their basic data and were assessed for outcome measurements at pretest, posttest, and 8-week follow-up. Outcome measures included the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2), Weight-Length Index (WLI), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), sit and reach, 1-minute sit-ups, and physical activity assessed using Actigraph® GT3 triaxial accelerometers. Results: Significant improvement in motor skills (manual coordination, body coordination, strength, and agility components in BOT- 2) were found after the training (all p ＜ 0.01) and the effect was maintained at follow-up (all p ＜ 0.007). Body composition was significantly improved after 8-week intervention (p = 0.035) but revealed regression at follow-up (p = 0.013). However, only a positive trend was found for the effect on muscle strength and endurance, proportion of overweight, average physical activity, and percentage of moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA%) after intervention (all p ＞ 0.05). Conclusion: Intervention program that consisted of both health-related physical fitness and motor skill training lasting for 8 weeks had significant positive impact on motor skills in children with probable DCD and the effect still could be observed after 8 weeks post intervention. However, the positive impact on body composition could only be seen during intervention period. Clinical Relevance: Our findings support the use of health-related physical fitness and motor skill intervention program for children with probable DCD to improve their motor and physical fitness outcomes.

Fine and Gross Motor Competence in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social communication and the display of restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Research has also shown that children with ASD are behind their typically developing peers in motor skill competence. However, limited studies have used the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) to assess motor competence of children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to fill the gap and comprehensively examine the fine and gross motor competence of children with ASD. Fifty-three children with ASD between the ages of 7 to 14 participated in the study. This study used the BOT-2 to comprehensively assess the children’s fine and gross motor competence. The children with ASD were significantly delayed in all fine and gross motor subtests (i.e., fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, upper-limb coordination, bilateral coordination, balance, running speed, and strength and agility) compared to their typically developing peers. The children with ASD were impaired on all fine and gross motor composites of the BOT-2, with all scoring in the well below average category of the BOT-2. Incorporating fine and gross motor skill practice into the therapy treatments and daily activities of children with ASD is recommended for improvement of their social interaction, communication, and reduction in repetitive behaviors in school and physical activity participation.

An Assessment of the Movement and Function of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities: A Review of Five Standardised Assessment Tools.

Various standardised assessment tools have been used to evaluate children with disabilities. However, assessment tools that provide information on the movement and function of children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) are still limited. This article provides a narrative review of the characteristics of five movement and/or function assessment tools. The strengths and limitations of the tools will be highlighted. Empirical studies on the assessment tools used are reviewed based on three criteria: (i) standardised tools; (ii) assessment of movement and/or function; (iii) applicability to children with SLD ranging from 4–17 years of age and widely used in practice. The following instruments have been included as they have been found to fulfil the criteria: (i) the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency-2 (BOT-2); (ii) the movement assessment battery for children-2 (MABC-2); (iii) the pediatric balance scale (PBS); (iv) the Vineland adaptive behaviour scale-II (VABS-II) and (v) the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory-computerised adaptive test (PEDI-CAT). The article presents the characteristics, strengths and limitations of five standardised assessment tools that are currently in use, which measure the movement and/or function of children with SLD. This article concludes with a discussion of recommendations for the best approaches to evaluating the movement and functional abilities of children with SLD.

Motor skills assessments: support for a general motor factor for the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2.

To evaluate the construct validity and model-based reliability of general and specific contributions of the subscales of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) when evaluating motor skills across a range of psychiatric disorders. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bifactor analysis were conducted on BOT-2 data from 187 elementary school students (grades 1 to 6) (mean age: 113 ± 20 months; boys: n = 117, 62.56%) and on MABC-2 data from 127 elementary school students (grade 1) (mean age: 76 ± 2 months; boys: n = 58, 45.67%). The results of the CFA fit the data for multidimensionality for the BOT-2 and presented poor fit indices for the MABC-2. For both tests, the bifactor model showed that the reliability of the subscales was poor. The BOT-2 exhibited factorial validity with a multidimensional structure among the current samples, but the MABC-2 showed poor fit indices, insufficient to confirm its multidimensional structure. For both tests, most of the reliable variance came from a general motor factor (M-factor), therefore the scoring and reporting of subscale scores were not justified for both tests.

Psychometric properties of gross motor assessment tools for children: a systematic review

ObjectiveGross motor assessment tools have a critical role in identifying, diagnosing and evaluating motor difficulties in childhood. The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the psychometric properties and...

Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2(BOT-2) 단축형을 사용한 학령전기 아동의 운동능력에 대한 연구

목적 : 우리나라 학령전기 아동을 대상으로 운동 적합성 검사(Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2: BOT-2) 단축형을 사용하여 학령전기 아동의 운동 능력을 제시하고, BOT-2의 표준화를 위한 선행 연구로서 기초자료를 제공하고자 한다. 연구방법 : 부산과 김해의 만 4세∼6세 81명의 아동을 대상으로 BOT-2 단축형을 사용하여 대상자의 운동능력을 평가하였다. 기술 통계분석을 사용하여 운동능력의 평균값, 표준편차를 제시하였고, 성별과 나이에 따른 운동능 력의 차이는 독립 t 검정과 분산 분석을 사용하였다. 결과 : 만 4세와 5세간 원점수 총점에서 유의한 차이를 보였고(p = .000), 만 5세와 6세간의 미세운동 정확성 항목에서 유의한 차이가 있었다(p = .014). 미세운동정확성, 미세운동 통합, 균형 항목에서 여자의 평균이 높았다 (p = .022, p = .006, p = .031). BOT-2 개발 대상 아동에 비해 4세와 5세 아동은 높은 원점수 평균을 나타내었고 (p = .007, p = .000), 전 연령에서 높은 표준 점수를 보였다. 결론 : 본 연구는 전 학령기 아동의 운동능력에 대한 각 항목의 평균을 제시하였고, 나이와 성별에 따른 운동능력의 차이를 발견하였다. 학령전기 아동으로 연령이 제한되어 일반화의 한계가 있으나 BOT-2 단축형 학령전기 아동 규준 데이터를 제공하는 점에서 의의가 있다.

Effect Of Coordinative Exercise On Motor Skill Competency In Children With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified through developmentally inappropriate symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness, and overactivity. Furthermore, children with ADHD also differ from age-matched typically developing children on motor coordination. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of an open skill table tennis training that involved 70-min sessions twice per week for 12 weeks on the motor skill competency of 30 boys with ADHD. METHODS: In the first 12 weeks (phase I), 15 boys (group A) received the intervention while 15 boys did not. A second 12 weeks (phase II) immediately followed, with the treatments reversed. Both groups continued their regular treatment/activity throughout the study. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 was used to collect data three times, once at study entry (T1), a second time after 12 weeks of intervention (T2), and a third time after another 12 weeks (T3). Changes in dependent variables were examined in relation to treatment, using a two-way ANOVA (group x time) with repeated measured on time (T1 versus T2). Paired t tests were used to examine the treatment effect in group B (T2 versus T3) and potential sustained treatment effect in group A (T2 versus T3). RESULTS: The main findings revealed that (a) group A exhibited significant improvements on the total motor composite (65.20 vs. 56.00, F=6.34, p<0.05), manual coordination (61.13 vs. 52.27, F=5.42, p<0.05), and strength and agility (69.87 vs. 61.73, F=9.15, p<0.01) as compared with the group B subsequent to the phase I, (b) improvements were also observed for group B subsequent to the phase II in total motor composite (56.00 vs. 62.13, t=-5.31, p<0.01), fine motor control (49.47 vs. 55.53, t=-2.63, p<0.05), and strength and agility (61.73 vs. 68.60, t=-5.08, p<0.01), and (c) group A merely maintained the improvements they attained through the intervention during phase I. CONCLUSION: Improvements in motor skill competency could be a critical variable in facilitating participation in sports for children with ADHD. Supported by Taiwan MOST grant 103-2410-H-017-026-MY3.

Effects of Physical Activity Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Deficits in the theory of mind and executive functions are two of the most commonly cited explanatory hypotheses for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many social communicative programs have been successfully established in research and practice; however, the effect that physical exercise as a recommendation for interventions by ASD leaders has been underexplored. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a 12-week table tennis program on the motor and executive functions of 22 boys with ASD. METHODS: In the first 12 weeks (phase I), 11 boys (group A) received the intervention while 11 boys did not. A second 12 weeks (phase II) immediately followed, with the treatments reversed. Both groups continued their regular treatment/activity throughout the study. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to collect data three times, once at study entry (T1), a second time after 12 weeks of intervention (T2), and a third time after another 12 weeks (T3). Changes in dependent variables were examined in relation to treatment, using a two-way ANOVA (group x time) with repeated measured on time (T1 versus T2). Paired t tests were used to examine the treatment effect in group B (T2 versus T3) and potential sustained treatment effect in group A (T2 versus T3). RESULTS: The main findings revealed that (a) group A exhibited significant improvements on the total motor composite (60.09 vs. 49.82, F=8.50, p<0.01) and two aspects of the WCST performances (total correct: 80.73 vs. 70.09, F=9.93, p<0.01; conceptual level response: 76.55 vs. 58.00, F=15.73, p<0.01) for group A as compared with the group B subsequent to the phase I, (b) improvements were also observed for group B subsequent to the phase II in total motor composite (49.82 vs. 61.55, t=-5.58, p<0.01) and two aspects of the WCST performances (total correct: 70.09 vs. 76.00, t=-5.94, p<0.01; conceptual level response: 58.00 vs. 70.09, t=-4.55, p<0.01), and (c) group A merely maintained the improvements they attained through the intervention during phase I. CONCLUSION: Our study contributes to the still scarce, but emerging evidence that physical exercise training may effectively promote the motor and executive functions in ASD population. Supported by Taiwan MOST grant 103-2410-H-017-026-MY3.

The comparison of balance performance among children with cochlear implantation, post-aural aid and normal children

Background: This cross-sectional study was carried out to compare balance performance between children with cochlear implants and post-aural aid and normal children. Methods: The present study was done on 67 severe to profound hearing impaired children. Of these, 21 children with an average age of 7 years and 4 months (±1.7) wore cochlear implant, 46 children with an average age of 7 years and 7 months (±1.7) wore post-aural aid and 60 children with an average 8 years and one month (±11 months) were considered as a control group. All of the children were tested with the 9-stage balance subtest of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency2 (BOT2). Results: The mean total BOT2 score of hearing impaired children was significantly lower than the normal group (P≤0.001). The mean total BOT2 score among children with cochlear implant, post-aural aids and normal group showed that cochlear implant group significantly performed weaker than the other two groups (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Hearing impaired children particularly children with cochlear implant are exposed to the risk of balance deficit. Hearing impaired children specially those who wear cochlear implants must be screened for vestibular hypofunction.

골덴하르 증후군(Goldenhar syndrome)아동에 대한 감각통합치료 평가와 중재: 사례연구

This case study was to examine the effect of the sensory integration therapy on the Goldenhar syndrome child with tactile defensiveness, developmental delay and occupational performance difficulties. The child was 7.10 year old boy. For intervention, four evaluations were used and the results are as follows. First, in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure showed occupational performance goal as reading and writing in upright position. Second, in Short sensory profile and sensory history, significant differences between sensory sensitivity and tactile processing. Third, in Developmental Profile-3 showed delay. Fourth, in Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 showed below average. After intervention, the results of which showed a positive changes. Therefore, this case study is found that the sensory integration therapy is effective in the Goldenhar syndrome child with tactile defensiveness and developmental delay.