Article

The purpose of this study was to characterize handwriting deficits in
children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using computerized
movement analyses. Method Seventy-two children (40 females, 32 males; mean age
7y, SD 7mo; range 6y 2mo to 7y 11mo) with handwriting deficits (33 with DCD, 39
without DCD); and 22 age- and sex-matched children without handwriting deficits
were asked to perform handwriting tasks on a digital tablet for the collection of
kinematic and kinetic data. Practice times required to achieve automation of
movement when writing an unfamiliar character were used to assess the motor
learning of handwriting. The children were asked to copy three simple and three
complex characters, and the velocity and axial pen force used for corresponding
strokes were compared. Results The attainment of automated handwriting was
markedly slower in children with handwriting deficits and DCD, who used a faster
stroke velocity to write simple characters (1.22 times those without handwriting
deficits), but when writing complex characters, their stroke velocity and pen
force were lower (0.85 and 0.89 times those without handwriting deficits,
respectively). Interpretation By linking the results with neuromotor control
theories, it was determined that children with DCD have difficulties performing
the open-loop and closed-loop movements required for fluent handwriting.

Langue : ANGLAIS