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Scarfò E, Ranucci M, Berardi A, Simeon R, Galeoto G. Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Movement Assessment Battery Second Edition (M-ABC2): A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:555. [PMID: 38790550 PMCID: PMC11120573 DOI: 10.3390/children11050555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study assessed the psychometric properties of the movement assessment battery for children second edition (M-ABC2) in Italian children with typical development, focusing on reliability and percentile rank establishment. The M-ABC2 is widely utilized but lacks validation in Italian populations. One hundred and eight children were recruited. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), indicating good to excellent reliability across age groups, albeit with outliers requiring further scrutiny. Standard scores and percentile ranks were established, revealing age-related variations in motor performance. Noteworthy differences in completion times and error rates were observed among the age groups, highlighting the dynamic nature of motor development. While the findings provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, limitations such as sample size and geographic representation should be addressed in future studies. This study underscores the importance of employing reliable assessment tools for comprehensive understanding and effective intervention in pediatric motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Scarfò
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.R.); (A.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Michela Ranucci
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.R.); (A.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.R.); (A.B.); (R.S.)
- IRCSS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Rachele Simeon
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.R.); (A.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.R.); (A.B.); (R.S.)
- IRCSS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
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Bisi MC, Stagni R. Sensor-Based Quantitative Assessment of Children's Fine Motor Competence: An Instrumented Version of the Placing Bricks Test. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2192. [PMID: 38610403 PMCID: PMC11014120 DOI: 10.3390/s24072192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of fine motor competence plays a pivotal role in neuropsychological examinations for the identification of developmental deficits. Several tests have been proposed for the characterization of fine motor competence, with evaluation metrics primarily based on qualitative observation, limiting quantitative assessment to measures such as test durations. The Placing Bricks (PB) test evaluates fine motor competence across the lifespan, relying on the measurement of time to completion. The present study aims at instrumenting the PB test using wearable inertial sensors to complement PB standard assessment with reliable and objective process-oriented measures of performance. Fifty-four primary school children (27 6-year-olds and 27 7-year-olds) performed the PB according to standard protocol with their dominant and non-dominant hands, while wearing two tri-axial inertial sensors, one per wrist. An ad hoc algorithm based on the analysis of forearm angular velocity data was developed to automatically identify task events, and to quantify phases and their variability. The algorithm performance was tested against video recordings in data from five children. Cycle and Placing durations showed a strong agreement between IMU- and Video-derived measurements, with a mean difference <0.1 s, 95% confidence intervals <50% median phase duration, and very high positive correlation (ρ > 0.9). Analyzing the whole population, significant differences were found for age, as follows: six-year-olds exhibited longer cycle durations and higher variability, indicating a stage of development and potential differences in hand dominance; seven-year-olds demonstrated quicker and less variable performance, aligning with the expected maturation and the refined motor control associated with dominant hand training during the first year of school. The proposed sensor-based approach allowed the quantitative assessment of fine motor competence in children, providing a portable and rapid tool for monitoring developmental progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Via del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences & Technologies, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Via del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences & Technologies, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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Niechwiej-Szwedo E, Brin TA, Thompson B, Christian LWT. Kinematic Assessment of Fine Motor Skills in Children: Comparison of a Kinematic Approach and a Standardized Test. Vision (Basel) 2024; 8:6. [PMID: 38391087 PMCID: PMC10885072 DOI: 10.3390/vision8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Deficits in fine motor skills have been reported in some children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as amblyopia or strabismus. Therefore, monitoring the development of motor skills and any potential improvement due to therapy is an important clinical goal. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of performing a kinematic assessment within an optometric setting using inexpensive, portable, off-the-shelf equipment. The study also assessed whether kinematic data could enhance the information provided by a routine motor function screening test (the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, MABC). Using the MABC-2, upper limb dexterity was measured in a cohort of 47 typically developing children (7-15 years old), and the Leap motion capture system was used to record hand kinematics while children performed a bead-threading task. Two children with a history of amblyopia were also tested to explore the utility of a kinematic assessment in a clinical population. For the typically developing children, visual acuity and stereoacuity were within the normal range; however, the average standardized MABC-2 scores were lower than published norms. Comparing MABC-2 and kinematic measures in the two children with amblyopia revealed that both assessments provide convergent results and revealed deficits in fine motor control. In conclusion, kinematic assessment can augment standardized tests of fine motor skills in an optometric setting and may be useful for measuring visuomotor function and monitoring treatment outcomes in children with binocular vision anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Taylor A Brin
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Thompson
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research, 17W Science Park, Hong Kong
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Lisa W T Christian
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Barnett LM, Verswijveren SJJM, Colvin B, Lubans DR, Telford RM, Lander NJ, Schott N, Tietjens M, Hesketh KD, Morgan PJ, Hinkley T, Downing KL, Telford RD, Cohen KE, Ridgers ND, Abbott G. Motor skill competence and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity: a linear and non-linear cross-sectional analysis of eight pooled trials. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38326890 PMCID: PMC10848369 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the relationship between motor skill competence and device-measured physical activity in large samples and none have used non-linear modelling. This study assessed the linear and non-linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity in children using pooled data from eight studies. METHODS Cross-sectional ActiGraph accelerometer and motor skills competence data from 988 children (50.8% boys) aged 3-11 years were included. Total, object control and locomotor skill competence were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Skill Development. Linear mixed models were fitted to examine linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity. Then, restricted cubic splines models were used to assess potential non-linear relationships. Interactions by sex and age were assessed. RESULTS There was evidence of positive linear associations between total skill, and object control and locomotor skills, with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity; however, the associations with total skill competence and object control better fitted a non-linear model. Non-linear models indicated associations were positive but relatively weak in the low to mid ranges of TGMD/object control scores but at high ranges (~ > 70 out of 100/ and ~ 35 out of 50) the association strength increased for both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. There were sex interactions for locomotor skills only, specifically for vigorous activity with boys having a stronger positive association than girls. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be a threshold for object control skill proficiency that children need to reach to enhance their physical activity levels which provides support for a motor skill "proficiency barrier". This provides a tangible benchmark for children to achieve in motor competence programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Barnett
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia.
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - S J J M Verswijveren
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
| | - B Colvin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - D R Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Keskussairaalantie 4, 40600, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - R M Telford
- University of Canberra, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
- The Australian National University, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU College of Health & Medicine, 62 Mills Rd, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - N J Lander
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
| | - N Schott
- Department of Sport Psychology and Human Movement Sciences Organization, University of Stuttgart, Institute for Sport and Movement Science, Allmandring 28, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany
| | - M Tietjens
- University of Muenster, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Horstmarer Landweg 62 b, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - K D Hesketh
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
| | - P J Morgan
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | - K L Downing
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
| | - R D Telford
- University of Canberra, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - K E Cohen
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - N D Ridgers
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
- University of South Australia, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - G Abbott
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125, Australia
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Jain S, Jain BK, Jain PK, Marwaha V. "Technology Proficiency" in Medical Education: Worthiness for Worldwide Wonderful Competency and Sophistication. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2022; 13:1497-1514. [PMID: 36545441 PMCID: PMC9762172 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s378917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in bioinformatics, information technology, advanced computing, imaging techniques are changing fundamentally the way physicians define, diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. New disciplines - Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computational Biology - are improving healthcare. Digital health solutions have immense scope. Education and practice need to keep pace. METHODS We aimed at assessment of "Technology proficiency" required by medical graduates and its implementation, if found useful. All this in a conceptual framework of "TP" model, having categories (a) proper assessment (b) pertinent treatment (c) progress monitoring (d) prevention applications (e) professional standards. A search of the literature was performed using MedLine & Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, for systematic reviews and meta-analysis articles published in the last five years using keyword "technology". Analysis of those relevant to the role all medical graduates should play. An analysis of worldwide statutory medical institutions guidelines. RESULTS Twenty-three systematic studies and meta-analysis were studied. Eighteen show clear evidence for 'Technology proficiency", while 5 recommend further studies. The findings are discussed suiting the roles of doctors in the "TP" model. Medical institutions guidelines worldwide diligence suggests need of including "Technology proficiency" as a definite and distinct strategic plan. Medical Council of India mandates "use information technology for appropriate patient care and continued learning". General Medical Council, UK and Medical Council India have been proactive in technology training. GMC recommends technology use for learning, prescribing, communication, and interpersonal skills. It should be expanding technology proficiency in practice as an essential professional capability. CONCLUSION "Technology proficiency" is found pertinently fruitful. It should be included as a definitive requirement and a distinct strategic plan worldwide. Modern curriculum development is proposed (i) Educational goals and objectives as the proposed Conceptual framework "Technology proficiency" model (ii) Instructional strategies 'Five Bs' (iii) Implementation 'Five Ms'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Jain
- Department of Paediatrics, Military Hospital Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Prem Kamal Jain
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishal Marwaha
- School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Cochin, Kerala, India
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Bisi MC, Di Marco R, Ragona F, Darra F, Vecchi M, Masiero S, Del Felice A, Stagni R. Quantitative Characterization of Motor Control during Gait in Dravet Syndrome Using Wearable Sensors: A Preliminary Study. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22062140. [PMID: 35336311 PMCID: PMC8952819 DOI: 10.3390/s22062140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare and severe form of genetic epilepsy characterized by cognitive and behavioural impairments and progressive gait deterioration. The characterization of gait parameters in DS needs efficient, non-invasive quantification. The aim of the present study is to apply nonlinear indexes calculated from inertial measurements to describe the dynamics of DS gait. Twenty participants (7 M, age 9–33 years) diagnosed with DS were enrolled. Three wearable inertial measurement units (OPAL, Apdm, Portland, OR, USA; Miniwave, Cometa s.r.l., Italy) were attached to the lower back and ankles and 3D acceleration and angular velocity were acquired while participants walked back and forth along a straight path. Segmental kinematics were acquired by means of stereophotogrammetry (SMART, BTS). Community functioning data were collected using the functional independence measure (FIM). Mean velocity and step width were calculated from stereophotogrammetric data; fundamental frequency, harmonic ratio, recurrence quantification analysis, and multiscale entropy (τ = 1...6) indexes along anteroposterior (AP), mediolateral (ML), and vertical (V) axes were calculated from trunk acceleration. Results were compared to a reference age-matched control group (112 subjects, 6–25 years old). All nonlinear indexes show a disruption of the cyclic pattern of the centre of mass in the sagittal plane, quantitatively supporting the clinical observation of ataxic gait. Indexes in the ML direction were less altered, suggesting the efficacy of the compensatory strategy (widening the base of support). Nonlinear indexes correlated significantly with functional scores (i.e., FIM and speed), confirming their effectiveness in capturing clinically meaningful biomarkers of gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (R.S.)
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Neuroscienc, University of Padova, Via Belzoni 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Euroepan Reference Network EpiCARE, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Francesca Darra
- Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital of Verona, P.Le Stefani, 1, 37121 Verona, Italy;
| | - Marilena Vecchi
- Department of Women and Children Health, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustiniani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neuroscienc, University of Padova, Via Belzoni 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.M.); (S.M.)
- Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Via Giuseppe Orus, 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Felice
- Department of Neuroscienc, University of Padova, Via Belzoni 160, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.D.M.); (S.M.)
- Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Via Giuseppe Orus, 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-2598
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento, 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (R.S.)
- Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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