Article

The study investigated the relationships between handwriting, visuomotor
integration, and neurological condition. We paid particular attention to the
presence of minor neurological dysfunction (MND). Method Participants were 200
children (131 males, 69 females ; age range 8-13y) of whom 118 received mainstream
education (mean age 10y 5mo, SD 1y 4mo) and 82 special education (mean age 10y
8mo, SD 1y 2mo). Each child had four assessments: a neurological examination,
which paid attention to the type and severity of MND, a test to measure motor
performance, a handwriting test, and the Developmental Test of Visual Motor
Integration. Results Dysgraphic handwriting and slow writing speed were closely
related to the severity of neurological dysfunction
(both p<0.001); impaired
visuomotor integration was related to the presence of MND (p<0.001) but somewhat
less to its severity. Impaired handwriting and visuomotor integration were
strongly related to two specific dysfunctions: fine manipulative disability and
coordination problems (both p<0.001). Impaired visuomotor integration was weakly
related to dysfunctional muscle tone regulation (p=0.009) and sensory dysfunction
(p=0.042). Interpretation Poor handwriting and impaired visuomotor integration
are related to MND, but in a differential way. Poor handwriting is related to the
severity of neurological dysfunction and to dysfunctions of complex supraspinal
circuitries. Impaired visuomotor integration is associated with the presence of
any of the most common types of MND.
CI - (c) The Authors. Journal compilation (c) Mac Keith Press 2010.

Langue : ANGLAIS