Handwriting movement analyses comparing first and second graders with normal or dysgraphic characteristics

Dysgraphia of sufficient severity to interfere with the school work has been recognized as representing a distinct deficit; characterization of its movement problem is a necessary step toward offering improved intervention. From among children aged 6-8, 69 children with dysgraphic characteristics (study group) and 69 matched proficient hand-writers (control group) were recruited into this study. Four copying tests of differing complexity levels were administered using a digital tablet. The acquired data included direct measure (axial pen tip force) and derived parameters (stroke velocity, pause time, number of velocity peaks and ratio of In Air to On Paper measures). The major finding is that children with dysgraphic characteristics had increased pause time per stroke and an increased number of directional changes in velocity. Significant differences were also found between students in two different grades, especially in the control group. The parameters extracted and observed in this study can further differentiate and characterize the handwriting problems originating from fine motor deficits. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.