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Published on: March 11, 2021
Age effects on sensory-processing abilities and their impact on handwriting
Batya Engel-Yeger1, Sari Hus, Sara Rosenblum
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel 31905, Israel. batya@research.haifa.ac.il
Summary
As people age, sensory processing abilities decline, impacting handwriting. Sensory seeking and sensitivity significantly influence handwriting speed and pressure in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Sensory processing abilities decline with age, potentially impairing daily activities like handwriting.
- Limited research exists on the specific role of sensory processing in the handwriting of older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of age on sensory processing.
- To determine the impact of age-related sensory changes on handwriting performance.
Main Methods:
- 118 healthy adults were grouped by age (31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76+).
- Participants completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP).
- Handwriting was assessed using the Computerized Handwriting Penmanship Evaluation Tool (ComPET).
Main Results:
- Age significantly impacts sensory processing, handwriting pressure, and temporal/spatial measures.
- Sensory seeking predicted handwriting time and spatial organization.
- Sensory sensitivity predicted handwriting velocity, and sensory seeking tended to predict pressure.
Conclusions:
- Age-related sensory processing changes affect handwriting, a key daily task.
- Sensory sensitivity and seeking are crucial for handwriting in older adults.
- Clinicians should assess sensory deficits in older adults to improve function and quality of life.
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