Associations between tactile localization and motor function in children with motor deficits
Daiki Asano1,2, Shu Morioka1
1Department of Neurorehabilitation, Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Nara, Japan.
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
|June 18, 2021
Summary
Children with motor deficits show delayed body image development, impacting tactile localization. Better motor function correlated with improved tactile localization in lower extremities, suggesting a link between body perception and movement skills.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Motor control research
- Pediatric rehabilitation
Background:
- Children with developmental disorders frequently exhibit impaired motor performance.
- Tactile localization ability serves as a key indicator of an individual's body image development.
- Understanding the relationship between body image and motor function is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tactile localization ability and motor function in children with motor deficits.
- To compare tactile localization performance between children with high and low motor function.
- To explore correlations between tactile localization, motor function measures, age, and non-verbal intelligence.
Main Methods:
- A tactile localization task (TLT) was administered to assess body image development.
- Eighteen children with motor deficits participated, with assessments of upper and lower limbs.
- Participants identified touch locations on body illustrations, and TLT scores were compared between motor function groups.
Main Results:
- Children with higher motor function demonstrated significantly better lower extremity tactile localization (L/E TLT) scores compared to those with lower motor function.
- This association was not observed for tactile localization of fingers and toes.
- L/E TLT scores showed a significant correlation solely with motor function measures, including the Gross Motor Function Measure, one-leg standing time, and one-leg hopping ability.
Conclusions:
- Children with motor deficits may experience a developmental delay in their body image.
- Tactile localization in the lower extremities is closely linked to overall motor function in this population.
- Findings suggest that interventions targeting motor skills may also benefit body image development in children with motor deficits.
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