Healthy Children
Conditions
Keywords
core stability, fine motor performance, hand grip strength, hand writing performance, typically developing children, school aged children
Brief summary
The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between core stability, hand grip strength, and handwriting performance in typically developing school-aged children aged 8 to 12 years. The study aims to determine whether core stability is associated with upper extremity function and handwriting abilities during middle childhood. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Is there a relationship between core stability and hand grip strength in typically developing school-aged children? * Is there a relationship between core stability and handwriting performance in typically developing school-aged children? Participants will undergo the following assessments: * Assessment of core stability using the McGill core endurance tests. * Measurement of hand grip strength using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.
Detailed description
this observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between core stability, hand grip strength, and handwriting performance among typically developing school-aged children aged 8 to 12 years. Core stability plays an essential role in maintaining postural control and providing a stable foundation for upper extremity movement. Adequate trunk stability is considered necessary for the effective execution of fine motor activities, including handwriting tasks. Hand grip strength is another important indicator of upper limb function and overall muscular performance. Despite the recognized importance of these factors, limited evidence is available regarding the relationship among core stability, hand grip strength, and handwriting performance in typically developing children. The study will recruit typically developing children from schools located in the 6th of October educational district. Core stability will be evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test, which includes the trunk flexor endurance test, trunk extensor endurance test, and side bridge test. Hand grip strength will be measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, while handwriting performance will be assessed using the Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS). The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of core stability in upper extremity function and handwriting performance and may help guide future assessment and intervention programs for school-aged children
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Cairo University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Children will be included in the study according to the following criteria: * Typically developing children aged 8-12 years. * Both boys and girls. * Enrolled in primary school. * Able to understand and follow simple verbal instructions. * Able to read and write in English according to their educational level. * Regular school attendance. * Children with a typical level of physical activity for their age and not participating in competitive athletic training programs. * Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
Exclusion criteria
* History of neurological, developmental, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting posture, upper limb function, or handwriting. * Upper limb pain, deformity, fracture, or injury within the previous six months. * Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment. * Diagnosed developmental coordination disorder (DCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, or specific learning disorder affecting handwriting. * Previous surgery involving the upper limb or spine
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stability Assessed by the McGill Core Endurance Tests | baseline assessment | Core stability will be assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Tests, including the Trunk Flexor Endurance Test, Trunk Extensor Endurance Test, and Side Bridge Test. Each test will be recorded in seconds, with longer endurance times indicating better core stability. |
| Hand Grip Strength Assessed by a Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer | baseline assessment | Hand grip strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The maximum grip strength will be recorded for each hand in kilograms (kg). |
| Handwriting Performance Assessed by the Handwriting Legibility Scale for Children in Elementary School (HLS CHES) | baseline assessment | Handwriting performance will be assessed using the Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS). The scale consists of five components, each rated from 1 to 5, with a total score ranging from 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate poorer handwriting performance. The total HLS score will be used to quantify handwriting legibility. |
Contacts
CONTACTomnia mohamed abbas, master
Outcome results
None listed