Some interesting research was published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) was performed on 137 children with learning disabilities (IQ>80). The following results were seen: 52.6% scored below the 15th percentile on manual dexterity 40.9% scored below the 15th percentile on ball skills 33.7% scored below the 15th […]
Therextras recently hosted a blog carnival on recognizing readiness (If you are not familiar with a blog carnical, it is when a topic is suggested and people submit blog posts on that topic). First of all Therextras is a great blog to follow. The author is a pediatric OT and PT who offers excellent blog […]
Assessment published research on the modification of tests using assistive technology. Sixty typically developing children ages 6-12 years old and 24 children with cerebral palsy were administered standard and modified versions of tests. The results indicated that the type of assistive technology used did not have a statistically significant effect on modified test scores. Quadrant […]
Here is some important baseline research on children’s ability to control a computer mouse. The journal Computers and Education published research comparing the ability to control a computer mouse at different age levels. The study looked at 221 Australian children between 5-10 years old. The results indicated the following: speed and accuracy improved with age […]
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on measuring the center of pressure (COP) during equine therapy. Using an electronic pressure mat, the study compared the center of pressure in 4 children without disabilities to 4 riders with cerebral palsy when riding. Significant differences were noted in anteroposterior range of COP motion, mediolateral range […]
I got the inspiration for this activity from a Twitpic on Twitter. Basically we used a cardboard box opened up with the sides up. A child worked on pulling apart all the plastic easter eggs. We glued them down pressing hard to adhere each one. We added three slots to catch the ball at the […]
The Center for Early Literacy Learning has published several hand out on scribbling and writing tips for young children, infants through preschool. Each tip sheet has some good ideas although encouraging a child to mark, scribble or write when they are not developmentally ready may not always be beneficial. It is my opinion that children […]
After reading an article that some kindergarten classes in Maine, will be getting close to 300 iPads, I began to think about how this will effect the fine motor skill development of young children. And, how younger children’s use of technology may provide an unfortunate sort of job security for pediatric occupational therapists. The rate […]
A recent study in the Journal of Orthopedic Science reports on the short-term after-effects of forearm cast removal in children. Thirty three children (mean age 10 years old) experienced a forearm fracture. Seventeen children were treated with an above elbow cast and 16 were treated with a below elbow cast. Following removal of the above […]
After reading the request for a blog carnival over at Therextras regarding readiness in children, I pondered the topic a bit. What does make a child ready to achieve motor milestones? Many parents and therapists follow the typical developmental sequence of rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking and off they run. The theory is that if […]