Motion-based technology to support motor skills screening in developing children: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Development
• Biomedical Engineering
• Motor Control

Background:

• Motor skill acquisition is crucial for children's cognitive development.
• Early detection of motor development delays is often limited.
• Motion-based technology (MBT) offers potential for improved motor screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use and potential of MBT in supporting and increasing access to motor screening for developing children.
• To identify current applications and limitations of MBT in pediatric motor assessment.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases following PRISMA guidelines.
• Studies involving MBT recognizing children's motor skill execution were selected and assessed.
• Analysis focused on MBT types, detected motor skills, application purposes, and target age groups.

Main Results:

• 164 studies were analyzed to understand MBT applications in motor skill detection.
• Depth sensors are the most common MBT, effective for children aged 2 and above.
• Current MBT covers approximately 50% of motor skills typically assessed for developmental screening.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in integrating MBT into standard motor skill development screening and assessment.
• Existing MBT primarily utilizes depth sensors, with limitations in the scope of detected motor skills.
• Multimodal sensor approaches are recommended to enhance health professionals' capabilities and expand early detection programs.