Manual Coordination Research Articles

Relationship between children's performance-based motor skills and child, parent, and teacher perceptions of children's motor abilities using self/informant-report questionnaires.

Occupational therapists often assess the motor skill performance of children referred to them as part of the assessment process. This study investigated whether children's, parents' and teachers' perceptions of children's motor skills using valid and reliable self/informant-report questionnaires were associated with and predictive of children's actual motor performance, as measured by a standardised performance-based motor skill assessment. Fifty-five typically developing children (8-12 years of age), their parents and classroom teachers were recruited to participate in the study. The children completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) and the Self-Perception Profile for Children. The parents completed the Developmental Profile III (DP-III) and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, whereas the teachers completed the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire and the Teacher's Rating Scale of Child's Actual Behavior. Children's motor performance composite scores were determined using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2). Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were calculated to identify if significant correlations existed and multiple linear regression was used to identify whether self/informant report data were significant predictors of children's motor skill performance. The child self-report scores had the largest number of significant correlations with the BOT-2 composites. Regression analysis found that the parent report DP-III Physical subscale was a significant predictor of the BOT-2 Manual Coordination composite and the child-report questionnaire PSDQ. Endurance subscale was a significant predictor of the BOT-2 Strength and Agility composite. The findings support the use of top-down assessment methods from a variety of sources when evaluating children's motor abilities.

Motor Proficiency and Body Mass Index of Preschool Children: In Relation to Socioeconomic Status

The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between motor proficiency and body mass index and to assess the socioeconomic status differences in motor proficiency and body mass index of preschool children. Sixty preschool children in the different socioeconomic status areas of central Denizli in Turkey participated in the study. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) was used to assess children’s motor proficiency and height/weight measurements were taken to calculate the BMI of children. There was no significant relationship between BOT-2 scores and body mass index scores of preschool children (p>0.05). There were significant SES differences in favor of high and middle socioeconomic status preschool children (p<0.05). Low socioeconomic status children had lower manual coordination, body coordination, strength and agility and total BOT-2 composite scores than their high and middle counterparts. The teachers, parents or those responsible for low socioeconomic status children in particular, have to find a way of practicing and improving the fundamental motor skills of preschool children.

Socio-Spatial Group Queries for Impromptu Activity Planning

The development and integration of social networking services and smartphones have made it easy for individuals to organize impromptu social activities anywhere and anytime. Main challenges arising in organizing impromptu activities are mostly due to the requirements of making timely invitations in accordance with the potential activity locations, corresponding to the locations of, and the relationships among the candidate attendees. Various combinations of candidate attendees and activity locations create a large solution space. Thus, in this paper, we propose Multiple Rally-Point Social Spatial Group Query (MRGQ), to select an appropriate activity location for a group of nearby attendees with tight social relationships. We first consider a special case of MRGQ, namely the Socio-Spatial Group Query (SSGQ), to determine a set of socially acquainted attendees while minimizing the total spatial distance to a specific activity location. We prove that SSGQ is NP-hard and formulate an Integer Linear Programming optimization model for SSGQ. We then develop an efficient algorithm, called SSGS, which employs effective pruning techniques to reduce the running time to determine the optimal solution. Moreover, we propose a heuristic algorithm for SSGQ to efficiently produce good solutions. We next consider the more general MRGQ. Although MRGQ is NP-hard, the number of attendees in practice is usually small enough such that an optimal solution can be found efficiently. Therefore, we first propose an Integer Linear Programming optimization model for MRGQ. We then design an efficient algorithm, called MAGS, which employs effective search space exploration and pruning strategies to reduce the running time for finding the optimal solution. We also propose to further optimize efficiency by indexing the potential activity locations. A user study demonstrates the strength of using SSGS and MAGS over manual coordination in terms of both solution quality and efficiency. Experimental results on real datasets show that our algorithms can process SSGQ and MRGQ efficiently and significantly outperform other baseline algorithms, including one based on the commercial parallel optimizer IBM CPLEX.

The Effectiveness of a Group Motor Skill Intervention Program in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Program Frequency Matters.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two group programs on visual-motor integration, motor proficiency, gross-motor skills, and parental perception of motor difficulties in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). We compared whether the frequency of two programs (10 one hour sessions - once/week for 10 weeks verses 24 one hour sessions – twice/week for 12 weeks) produced different changes in motor skills. Methods: Children in the two programs were assessed before and after each program with the MABC-2, DCD-Q, BOT-2, Beery-VMI-6, and the TGMD-2 assessments. The emphasis of the programs was on group activities that required collaboration while performing skills that utilized upper-body coordination, balance, and fine-motor abilities. Results: After the 24-session intervention program, results revealed significant improvements in the Manual Coordination and Total Score of the BOT-2 (ps &lt; .05), and parents reported significantly higher scores for all categories of the DCD-Q (ps &lt; .05). No significant changes were observed after the 10-session once/week intervention program. Conclusions: We conclude that a (24 one-hour sessions- twice a week for 12 weeks) group intervention program can be an effective intervention method for improvement of motor skills in children with DCD. We recommend that allied health professionals consider the group intervention as a feasible way to promote more frequent sessions to children with DCD.

Handwriting-based model for identification of developmental disorders among North Indian children

Handwriting execution is based on the cognitive, kinesthetic, motor skills, and manual co-ordination skills of an individual. The deterioration in handwriting quality is a common implication of neurological disorders. Difficulty and degradation in handwriting has been attributed to the sensory motor deficits prevalent in developmental disorders. In spite of the association between developmental disorders and handwriting ability, the diagnostic potential of handwriting characteristics remains untapped. The present case control study was conducted among 300 subjects aged 6- to 11-years-old of North Indian origin to measure the potentials of handwriting characteristics to identify the selected developmental disorders namely ADHD, AD/HD, CD and DCD. A significant difference was obtained in the kinematics, relative size, number of handwriting defects, spatial orientation, line quality, and the mirror image presence between children with developmental disorders and typically developing (TD) children. A logistic model based on selected handwriting characteristics showed a cross validated 94.9% accuracy rate for diagnosis of developmental disorders. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic potential of the model as presented by the area under curve was found to be 98.5%. The method is non-invasive, operationally easy and useful for an early identification of developmental disorders by parents and educators.

Development of the Motor Functions in 7–15-year-old Children: The Czech National Study

The aim of the national study was to assess the development of motor functions in the population of the Czech children. A Czech representative sample of 7–15-year-old children (n = 1076) was assessed on fine manual coordination, gross motor coordination and balance using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Concurrently, the cross-cultural validity of the MABC-2 was examined on a basis of the comparison of results of the testing to the test performance reported for the United Kingdom sample. Unimanual and bimanual coordination, and visuomotor coordination associated the aiming and timing interceptive tasks improved up to 12–15-year-old children. The Czech girls demonstrated the mature static balance at the age of 7 years, while the Czech boys by two years later. The study showed that the MABC-2 can be a valid method for assessment of gross motor coordination in the Czech children. Before use of this test battery in research and educational and clinical practice in the Czech Republic, an adjustment of the norms of the manual dexterity and balance tests is needed.

The relationship between manual coordination and mental health.

Motor coordination impairments frequently co-occur with other developmental disorders and mental health problems in clinically referred populations. But does this reflect a broader dimensional relationship within the general population? A clearer understanding of this relationship might inform improvements in mental health service provision. However, ascertainment and referral bias means that there is limited value in conducting further research with clinically referred samples. We, therefore, conducted a cross-sectional population-based study investigating children’s manual coordination using an objective computerised test. These measures were related to teacher-completed responses on a behavioural screening questionnaire [the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)]. We sampled 298 children (4–11 years old; 136 males) recruited from the general population. Hierarchical (logistic and linear) regression modelling indicated significant categorical and continuous relationships between manual coordination and overall SDQ score (a dimensional measure of psychopathology). Even after controlling for gender and age, manual coordination explained 15 % of the variance in total SDQ score. This dropped to 9 % after exclusion of participants whose SDQ responses indicated potential mental health problems. These results: (1) indicate that there is a clear relationship between children’s motor and mental health development in community-based samples; (2) demonstrate the relationship’s dimensional nature; and (3) have implications for service provision.

Motor proficiency predicts cognitive ability in four-year-olds

Research has shown links between motor proficiency and cognition in school-age children, however, few have explored earlier ages. We aimed to determine the association between motor proficiency and cognitive ability in four-year-olds. Motor and cognitive skills were examined in 32 (15 males, 17 females) four-year-olds (±5.59 months) using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) (Fine Manual Control [FMC], Manual Coordination [MC], Body Coordination [BC], and Strength & Agility [SA]) and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) (Verbal, Nonverbal, and IQ). Correlation analysis revealed significance between BC and Verbal (.45) and IQ (.51), including MC and IQ (.55). Total Motor Proficiency displayed significance to Verbal (.49), Nonverbal (.40), and IQ (.58). Through regression analysis, MC predicted Verbal (32%) and IQ (31%), while Total Motor Proficiency predicted Verbal (24%), Nonverbal (16%), and IQ (34%). Motor proficiency appears to be associated with cognition, thus emphasizing the importance of early motor skill development.

A piano training program to improve manual dexterity and upper extremity function in chronic stroke survivors.

Objective: Music-supported therapy was shown to induce improvements in motor skills in stroke survivors. Whether all stroke individuals respond similarly to the intervention and whether gains can be maintained over time remain unknown. We estimated the immediate and retention effects of a piano training program on upper extremity function in persons with chronic stroke.Methods: Thirteen stroke participants engaged in a 3-week piano training comprising supervised sessions (9 × 60 min) and home practice. Fine and gross manual dexterity, movement coordination, and functional use of the upper extremity were assessed at baseline, pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 3-week follow-up.Results: Significant improvements were observed for all outcomes at post-intervention and follow-up compared to pre-intervention scores. Larger magnitudes of change in manual dexterity and functional use of the upper extremity were associated with higher initial levels of motor recovery.Conclusion: Piano training can result in sustainable improvements in upper extremity function in chronic stroke survivors. Individuals with a higher initial level of motor recovery at baseline appear to benefit the most from this intervention.

Forward

While Ajax programming and the plethora of JavaScript component libraries enable high-quality Uls in web applications, integrating them with page data is laborious and error-prone as a developer has to handcode incremental modifications with trigger-based programming and manual coordination of data dependencies. The FORWARD web framework simplifies the development of Ajax applications through declarative, state-based templates. This declarative, data-centric approach is characterized by the principle of logical/physical independence, which the database community has often deployed successfully. It enables FORWARD to leverage database techniques, such as incremental view maintenance, updatable views, capability-based component wrappers and cost-based optimization to automate efficient live visualizations. We demonstrate an end-to-end system implementation, including a web-based IDE (itself built in FORWARD), academic and commercial applications built in FORWARD and a wide variety of JavaScript components supported by the declarative templates.

Comparing a Parent-Report and a Performance-Based Measure of Children's Motor Skill Abilities: Are They Associated?

ABSTRACTBoth parent-report and performance-based assessment approaches are used in occupational therapy practice to gather information about children's motor skill abilities. This study investigated whether an association existed between the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency- 2nd edition (BOT-2), a performance-based motor-skill assessment and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd edition (MABC-2) Checklist, a parent-report scale of children's motor abilities. A convenience sample of 50 typically developing children aged 7–16 years were recruited. Scores from the BOT-2 and MABC-2 Checklist were analyzed using Spearman's rho correlations and linear regression analyses with several significant correlations found. The following BOT-2 derived scores were correlated with the MABC-2 Checklist: (1) BOT-2 subscales of Fine Motor Precision (rho = .33, p < .05), Manual Dexterity (rho = .28, p < .05), and Upper-Limb Coordination (rho = .39, p < .05); (2) the BOT-2 motor composite areas of Fine Motor Control (rho = .30, p < .05), and Manual Coordination (rho = .33, p < .05); and (3) the BOT-2 Short Form total score (rho = .28, p < .05). Regression analysis indicated that the MABC-2 Checklist was significantly associated with the BOT-2 Fine Manual Control and Manual Coordination composite area scores.

Visual influences on postural and manual interpersonal coordination during a joint precision task.

We investigated whether the interpersonal postural coordination that occurs during a joint supra-postural, manual precision task is driven by the constraints of the task, or, instead results from visual entrainment to the movements of a co-actor. Participants were instructed to coordinate their finger movements under conditions where participants could see others' whole-body movements or could only see the results of the other's actions. Participants' finger and torso movements were recorded. Coordination was quantified using cross-recurrence quantification analysis measures. Interpersonal coordination was enhanced by, although it did not depend entirely upon, visual information about the co-actor's body movements.

Expanding the phenotypic profile of boys with 47, XXY: The impact of familial learning disabilities

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of familial learning disabilities (FLD) on the phenotypic profile of 47, XXY males and the possibility that 47, XXY males with more severe cognitive deficits may be partially a consequence of familial dyslexia/reading disorder. We wondered if FLD could pose an additional risk for complex neurodevelopmental differences in 47, XXY. The neurodevelopmental profile of males with 47, XXY has been characterized by developmental dyspraxia, language-based learning disorders, executive dysfunction, reading, and attentional deficits. One hundred eighteen boys with 47, XXY diagnosed prenatally who did not receive early hormonal treatment were divided into two groups based on positive histories of FLD and given comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluations between 36 and 108 months. The assessments included intelligence (nonverbal and verbal), neuromotor (fine and gross), speech, and language. The group with FLD performed significantly lower in multiple neurodevelopmental domains of the Wechsler of VIQ P = 0.015, FSIQ P = 0.0005, the Brief IQ P = 0.0525 of the Leiter, in Auditory Comprehension P = 0.0505, Expressive Communication P = 0.0055, and neuromotor domains of Manual Coordination P = 0.0032, Fine Motor Control P = 0.0378, and Motor Coordination P = 0.008. Our study demonstrates the influence of FLD on neurodevelopment and expands the phenotypic profile of 47, XXY, suggesting some neurodevelopmental variability is attributable to other factors than the additional X. FLD may increase the vulnerability of the 47, XXY children and anticipatory guidance should be provided to families.

Manual coordination with intermittent targets: Velocity information for prospective control

Tracking a moving target requires that information concerning the current and future state of a target is available, allowing prospective control of the tracking effector. Eye movement research has shown that prospective visual tracking is achievable during conditions of both visible and occluded targets. The ability to track visually occluded targets has been interpreted as individuals integrating target velocity into eye movement motor plans. It has not been fully established that velocity plays a similar role in other types of tracking behavior. To examine whether target velocity is also used in manual tracking, numerical predictions and a validation experiment were conducted. Predictions indicated that, if individuals utilize target velocity during coordination, increases in visual occlusion periods should yield increased phase lag between target and hand, proportional to the occlusion period. Predictions also suggest that increased occlusion yields increased coordination variability. An experiment having participants coordinate with the same stimuli and occlusion conditions was conducted to verify the predictions. Comparison of prediction and experimental results provides strong agreement that individuals use target velocity to prospectively control coordinated movements.

Motor Function in School-Aged Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Korea

ObjectiveMotor function critically influences daily activities and academic performance. We compared motor function in school-aged children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to that of normal children.MethodsParticipants were 58 children with ADHD [51 males, 7 females; mean age 9 years 6 months±2 years 0 months (SD)] and 70 normal controls [56 males, 14 females; mean age 9 years 2 months±1 years 7 months (SD)]. We assessed motor function with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition.ResultsThe ADHD group had a significantly lower total motor composite score (t=-9.32, p<0.001) than that of the control group. Standard scores of four motor-area composites such as fine manual control (t=-3.76, p<0.001), manual coordination (t=-6.87, p<0.001), body coordination (t=-7.14, p<0.001), and strength and agility (t=-8.54, p<0.1) were significantly lower in the ADHD group than those in the control group. Among the subtests, scores on fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, bilateral coordination, balance, running speed and agility, and strength were significantly lower in the ADHD group than those in the controls, whereas upper-limb coordination was not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionSchool-aged children with ADHD in Korea had significantly lower motor function compared to that of controls. Thus, it is suggested that appropriate target intervention for motor function is important in children with motor impairment in addition to pharmacotherapy or psychosocial therapy for improving the core symptoms.

Neurodevelopmental and esthetic results in children after surgical correction of metopic suture synostosis: a single institutional experience

Metopic suture synostosis leading to trigonocephaly is considered the second most frequent type of craniosynostosis. Besides esthetic results, we present 25 consecutive pediatric cases operated upon metopic suture synostosis with a focus on the child's motor, speech, and neurocognitive development. Twenty-five children (aged 6 to 33 months; median 9.2 months) with trigonocephaly were operated upon between 2002 and 2012 with fronto-orbital advancement including frontal bone cranioplasty and fronto-orbital bandeau remodeling. Neurodevelopmental deficits were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire including gross motor function, manual coordination, speech, and cognitive function performed by independent pediatric/developmental neurologists before surgery and at 6 and 12 months of time interval postoperatively. Twenty-one (84 %) boys and four (16 %) girls were included in this study. Mean follow-up period was 33 ± 28 months. Outcome analysis for esthetic results showed a high degree of satisfaction by the parents and treating physicians in 23 cases (92 %). Preoperative evaluation revealed neurodevelopmental deficits in 10 children (40 %; six mild, four moderate degree). Twelve children (48 %) were proven to have a normal preoperative neuropediatric development. Mild or moderate developmental restraints were no longer apparent in 6/13, improved but still apparent in 3/13, and stable in 4/13, 6 months after cranial vault reconstruction. At 12 months of follow-up, deficits were no longer present in 9/13 and improved in 4/13. Apart from this cohort, two children were diagnosed with a syndromic form, and one child had a fetal valproate syndrome. In these three children, neurodevelopmental deficits were more pronounced. Neurocognitive progress was obvious, but was comparably slower, and major deficits were still apparent at last follow-up. All children with proven mild/moderate/severe deficits received intensive physiotherapy, logopedic, or neurobehavioral support. As shown in a single-center observation, surgical correction of metopic suture synostosis not only refines esthetic appearance but also might improve neurodevelopmental outcome if deficits are apparent, even in syndromic forms of the deformity under additional physiotherapy, logopedic, or neurobehavioral support.

Stride to stride variability in joint angle profiles during transitions from trot to canter in horses

Spontaneous transitions from anti-phase to in-phase manual coordination are explained in the Haken model that describes the two preferred states as stable regions that work as attractors in a stability landscape. Switching between states coincides with a temporary loss of stability. Coordination variability is believed to be indicative of such a loss of stability. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that an increase in variability in the angle profiles of the joints responsible for the transition will precede the transition. A full gait analysis of four miniature horses transitioning from trot to canter was performed. Joint angle profiles were determined for the joints of all four limbs and were time-normalised to stride duration. Per horse and per stride, the coefficient of variance was calculated as the mean standard deviation of the joint profile over all trials divided by the mean joint angle × 100. As hypothesised, the most proximal limb joints (hip, scapulothoracic, shoulder) followed the predictions to a large extent. The variability of the hip joint angle of the trailing hind limb showed a peak of variability at stride 0; this was quickly reduced after the transition was completed. The detection of this brief perturbation in the hip joint indicates the importance of this joint in the transition process. The hip joint is related to the movements of the limb, pelvis and back, which is one of the main differences between symmetrical and asymmetrical gaits.

Are Two Hands (From Different People) Better Than One? Mode Effects and Differential Transfer Between Manual Coordination Modes

We report an experiment in which we investigated differential transfer between unimanual (one-handed), bimanual (two-handed), and intermanual (different peoples' hands) coordination modes. People perform some manual tasks faster than others ("mode effects"). However, little is known about transfer between coordination modes. To investigate differential transfer, we draw hypotheses from two perspectives--information based and constraint based--of bimanual and interpersonal coordination and skill acquisition. Participants drove a teleoperated rover around a circular path in sets of two 2-min trials using two of the different coordination modes. Speed and variability of the rover's path were measured. Order of coordination modes was manipulated to examine differential transfer and mode effects. Differential transfer analyses revealed patterns of positive transfer from simpler (localized spatiotemporal constraints) to more complex (distributed spatiotemporal constraints) coordination modes paired with negative transfer in the opposite direction. Mode effects indicated that intermanual performance was significantly faster than unimanual performance, and bimanual performance was intermediate. Importantly, all of these effects disappeared with practice. The observed patterns of differential transfer between coordination modes may be better accounted for by a constraint-based explanation of differential transfer than by an information-based one. Mode effects may be attributable to anticipatory movements based on dyads' access to mutual visual information. Although people may be faster using more-complex coordination modes, when operators transition between modes, they may be more effective transitioning from simpler (e.g., bimanual) to more complex (e.g., intermanual) modes than vice versa. However, this difference may be critical only for novel or rarely practiced tasks.

Strength Training for a Child With Suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) demonstrate difficulty with feedforward motor control and use varied compensatory strategies. To examine gross motor function changes following strength training in a child with motor control difficulties. A girl aged 6 years 11 months, with apraxia and hypotonia, and demonstrating motor delays consistent with DCD. Twenty-four strength training sessions were completed using a universal exercise unit. Postintervention scores significantly improved on the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency, second edition, and the Canadian occupational performance measure scores and raised the developmental coordination disorder questionnaire, revised 2007, scores above the range where DCD is suspected. Nonsignificant changes in strength were observed. Improved function and significant gains in manual coordination were observed following blocked practice of isolated, simple joint movements during strength training. Improved motor skills may be because of effective use of feedforward control and improved stabilization. Strength training does not rehearse skills using momentum, explaining nonsignificant changes in locomotor or locomotion areas.

Manual movement coordination adapted to spinal cord injury and low back pain

Spinal cord injury (SCI) and low back pain (LBP) significantly limit personal and occupational activities. Since upper body movements are crucial to extend hand reach envelopes and maintain postural balance, coordinated control of torso and hand movements is essential. In this study, adapted patterns of coordination were investigated in SCI, LBP and control participants performing seated manual material handling tasks, in which a load was transferred with both hands from a home location to one of 4 targets in the mid-sagittal plane.Torso peak velocities are larger and delayed for the SCI when compared to the control group, while hand peak velocities are comparable. However, hand peak velocities are smaller in the LBP than control group. Hand movements generally precede torso movements for all groups, but more prominently for the SCI than the other groups. Furthermore, for SCIs torso movements were suppressed until the hands were aligned with target elevation.These results indicate that SCI individuals have developed a unique coordination pattern to compensate for their limited balance control, although this strategy may reduce their effective workspace and overload the upper extremities. In contrast, LBPs seem to have reduced movement speed while their coordination patterns are generally similar to those in the control group. Relevance to industryThis study analyzed movements of persons with spinal cord injury or low back pain in manual material handling tasks. Assessing their adapted movement strategies would help to improve workspace design to accommodate workers with limited capacities and to provide quantifiable evidence and guidelines on the effectiveness of occupational rehabilitation programs.