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Efficacy of Leap Motion Device on Fine Motor Function and Handwriting in Children With Developmental Coordination
Ruchika J Zade1, Moh'd Irshad Qureshi1, Raghuveer Raghumahanti1
1Neurophysiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND.
Insights
Leap Motion Controller exercises significantly improved fine motor skills and handwriting in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This technology offers a beneficial approach for enhancing motor function and academic performance in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impairing muscle coordination, affecting daily tasks and academic achievement in children.
- Children with DCD are often perceived as clumsy, facing performance difficulties that can be addressed through targeted interventions.
- Fine motor skill deficits and handwriting challenges are common manifestations of DCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Leap Motion Controller (LMC) exercises in improving fine motor function in children diagnosed with DCD.
- To assess the impact of LMC interventions on the handwriting quality of children with DCD.
- To compare the effectiveness of LMC-based training with traditional fine motor exercises for upper limb function.
Main Methods:
- Participants (n=30) with DCD were identified using the DSM-V criteria and the DCD Questionnaire (DCDQ'07).
- Children were randomly assigned to an experimental group (LMC exercises) or a control group (traditional exercises).
- Handwriting (Scale for Handwriting Evaluation - SHE) and manual dexterity (Movement Assessment Battery for Children - MABC) were measured pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both LMC exercises and traditional exercises led to improvements in handwriting and fine motor function.
- The experimental group using the Leap Motion Controller showed statistically significant improvements in MABC scores (p < 0.031).
- While SHE scores improved in both groups, the LMC group demonstrated more significant clinical and statistical benefits.
Conclusions:
- Leap Motion Controller technology offers a significant and effective approach to enhancing fine motor function and handwriting skills in children with DCD.
- LMC-based interventions can positively contribute to improving the academic achievement of children with developmental coordination disorder.
- The study highlights the beneficial impact of integrating novel technologies like LMC into therapeutic strategies for DCD.
Abstract:
Background The neurodevelopmental disorder, referred to as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), impacts everyday tasks and academic achievement by impairing muscle coordination. DCD children are very often characterized as "clumsy" and "uncoordinated," which can result in easily rectifiable performance difficulties. The aim and objective of the study were to determine the effectiveness of Leap Motion Controller® (LMC®) exercises on fine motor function and handwriting in children with DCD. Methods After getting ethical clearance from the university institutional ethics committee (DMIMS(DU)/IEC/2022/897), the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCD'Q07) questionnaire was given to the parents of the children, and duly filled questionnaires were collected from them after one week. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria, the children prone to DCD were identified from the questionnaire (n = 30). The participants were subsequently divided into the experimental (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). Children in the experimental group used the LMC® to perform tasks, while those in the control group completed traditional fine motor exercises for the upper limb. Pre- and post-outcome measures were taken using the scale for handwriting evaluation (SHE) and the movement assessment battery for children (MABC) (manual dexterity) by the assessor who was aware of the outcome measures. Results Using software from IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. The Z-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for within-group and between-group comparisons. The statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level of p < 0.05. From a statistical and clinical perspective, Group B results were more significant. Improvements in both groups' handwriting and fine motor function were demonstrated by the improvement in the SHE (-0.82, p > 0.412) and MABC (-2.16, p < 0.031) scores. Conclusion This study concluded that leap motion technology significantly improved fine motor function and handwriting in children with developmental coordination disorder. Both groups improve children's academic achievement. The study's findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of LMC® on children's handwriting and fine motor skills.
