How Does a 12-Week Physical Exercise Program Affect the Motor Proficiency and Cognitive Abilities of Overweight and Normal-Weight Preschool Children?

The objective of this research was to examine a 12-week exercise program and its impact on the motor proficiency and cognitive abilities of preschool children with overweight and normal weight. The study involved a total of 71 participants who were preschool children enrolled in a longitudinal study. Body mass index (BMI) was determined by measuring body height and weight, and the nutritional status of the children was assessed using the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria. Motor proficiency encompasses both motor abilities and motor skills, and the assessment of motor abilities was conducted using subtests from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). These subtests measured fine motor integration, manual dexterity, balance, and bilateral coordination. The evaluation of motor skills involved the utilization of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), which examines both locomotor skills and manipulative skills. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the School Maturity Test (TZS). All participants, regardless of weight status, took part in a 12-week physical exercise program. According to the World Health Organization's criteria, 52 children (73.2%) were categorized as having a normal weight, while 19 children (26.8%) were classified as overweight. These findings indicate that every fourth child in the study was overweight. Using a statistical analysis called SPANOVA (2 × 2, group × time), differences were observed in three out of eleven variables. Specifically, there were significant differences in two motor skill variables: manipulative skills (p = 0.006) and total movement skills (p = 0.014). Additionally, there was a significant difference in one cognitive ability variable: visual memory (p = 0.010). No significant differences were found in the remaining variables. The findings of this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of regular exercise on motor and cognitive development in preschool children, specifically examining the differences between overweight and normal-weight children. By investigating these effects, the study could provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and health professionals involved in promoting the overall well-being of preschool-aged children. Regular physical exercise has been found to have positive effects on motor and cognitive abilities in both overweight and normal-weight preschool children.

Assessing the Fundamental Movement Skills of Children With Intellectual Disabilities in the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program

Mastering the ability to move proficiently from a young age is an important contributor to lifelong physical activity participation. This study examined fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency in children with intellectual disabilities (n = 96, 60% boys, age 5-12 years) and typically developing children (n = 96, 60% boys, age 5-12 years). Participants were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3rd edition and balance subtest from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2. The FMS proficiency of typically developing children including mastery/near mastery level (combined variable representing mastery, which is achieving all criteria for the skill, over both trials and near mastery, wherein a participant performs all but one of the components of the skill correctly) was significantly higher than for children with intellectual disabilities. A similar observation was made with multiple linear regression analysis testing the interaction effect of participant group and age/gender on all three FMS subcomponents. The results presented will help establish a baseline of FMS proficiency and guidelines for future intervention for children with intellectual disabilities.

Sensorineural hearing loss imprint on postural control: A pediatric and adolescent innovative study

BACKGROUND

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing impairment and results in postural control and motor deficits in children that may affect or delay all developmental indicators.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to objectively investigate the consequences of sensorineural hearing loss concerning postural control in pediatrics.

METHODS

Forty students of both genders, ages ranging from 10 to 16 years, diagnosed with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, were selected from the Public School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in El-Minia district, Egypt. The outcome was assessed by HUMAC Balance System and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2) subtest (5) for balance.

RESULTS

Regarding HUMAC Balance System and subtest (5) of BOT-2, there was a statistically significant difference between the scores of study subgroups and the counterpart normal subgroups of the same age and gender where p-value equal 0.0035 or less.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that children with sensorineural hearing loss have a defect in their postural control skills compared to normal children of the same gender and age groups according to HUMAC Balance System and Bruininks-Oseretsky scale.

Motor performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: focus on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency

The literature review aimed to analyze studies assessing the motor abilities of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). The PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were searched for relevant articles published between February 2003 and September 2021. Despite the retrieval of limited studies, most included in this review were of fair to good quality. The diagnostic criteria for ADHD adhered to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders standards. The BOTMP has been used diversely in various countries, has been translated into various languages, is administered by various qualified medical professionals on children with variants of ADHD, with the long form of the tool used more widely than its short form. The motor performance of children with ADHD was better than that of children with other developmental disorders, but children with ADHD underperformed compared to their age-matched typically developing peers. Although the BOTMP tool has been widely used to evaluate the motor performance of children with various disabilities, our understanding of the motor repertoire of children with ADHD is inadequate. Future research can aim to use the BOTMP to better understand the motor repertoire of children with ADHD to aid their overall rehabilitation.

Differences between Healthy-Weight and Overweight Serbian Preschool Children in Motor and Cognitive Abilities

The aim of this study was to determine the differences between healthy-weight and overweight 5-6-year-old preschool children in fine and gross motor skills and cognitive abilities. There were 91 subjects, preschool children (41 boys and 50 girls), who participated in this cross-sectional study. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measures of body height and body mass, and WHO cutoff points were used for the assessment of the children's nutrition status. Fine motor abilities were determined using two Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) subtests, and gross motor skills are determined by the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while cognitive abilities were tested by the School Maturity Test (TZŠ+). Based on an independent-samples t-test, a difference in two out of three variables of gross motor skills was determined: manipulative skills and total gross motor skills between healthy-weight and overweight children, while in fine motor abilities and cognitive abilities there was no difference between these two groups. Although significant differences were found only in gross motor skills between healthy and overweight preschool children but not in fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, further longitudinal studies are required to understand the mechanisms of this, including the possible role of psychological factors.

Physical therapy assessment and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging findings in children with glycogen storage disease type IIIa: A clinical study and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Early recognized manifestations of GSD III include hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, and elevated liver enzymes. Motor symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, functional impairments, and muscle wasting are typically reported in the 3rd to 4th decade of life.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the early musculoskeletal findings in children with GSD IIIa, compared to a cohort of adults with GSD IIIa.

METHODS

We utilized a comprehensive number of physical therapy outcome measures to cross-sectionally assess strength and gross motor function including the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, grip and lateral/key pinch, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Gait, Stairs, Gowers, Chair (GSGC) test, 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Ed. 2 (BOT-2). We also assessed laboratory biomarkers (AST, ALT, CK and urine Glc4) and conducted whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) to evaluate for proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in children with GSD IIIa. Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography results were analyzed where available and a thorough literature review was conducted.

RESULTS

There were a total of 22 individuals with GSD IIIa evaluated in our study, 17 pediatric patients and 5 adult patients. These pediatric patients demonstrated weakness on manual muscle testing, decreased grip and lateral/key pinch strength, and decreased functional ability compared to non-disease peers on the GMFM, 6MWT, BOT-2, and GSGC. Additionally, all laboratory biomarkers analyzed and PDFF obtained from WBMRI were increased in comparison to non-diseased peers. In comparison to the pediatric cohort, adults demonstrated worse overall performance on functional assessments demonstrating the expected progression of disease phenotype with age.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate the presence of early musculoskeletal involvement in children with GSD IIIa, most evident on physical therapy assessments, in addition to the more commonly reported hepatic symptoms. Muscular weakness in both children and adults was most significant in proximal and trunk musculature, and intrinsic musculature of the hands. These findings indicate the importance of early assessment of patients with GSD IIIa for detection of muscular weakness and development of treatment approaches that target both the liver and muscle.

Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2) Short Form: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted in Healthy Children

Motor skill competence of children is one of the important predictors of health because if a child is physically active during early childhood, the possibility of occurrence of many chronic diseases in adulthood will be reduced. The aim of this study was to systematically review the studies conducted in healthy children using the shorter form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) and to determine the applicability in cross-sectional studies and pre-post designs. The search and analysis of the studies were done in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic databases search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Science Direct, and Scopus) yielded 250 relevant studies conducted from 2011 to 2020. A total of 21 studies were included in quantitative synthesis, with a total of 3893 participants, both male and female. Through this study, the BOT-2 test proved its broad applicability, so it can be concluded that this test can be used to improve motor proficiency in a healthy population of children. Hence, it is necessary to invest a lot of time during the implementation of various programs so that children would adequately develop their basic motor skills so they broaden their own repertoire of movements.

Sensorineural hearing loss imprint on fine motor skills: A pediatric and adolescent innovative study

BACKGROUND

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing impairment and results in balance and motor deficits in children which may affect and/or delay all developmental indicators.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the consequences of sensorineural hearing loss regarding fine motor skills in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Two hundred children with an age range between 7 to 18 years and diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss were selected from the Public School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in El-Minia district, Minia governorate, Egypt. The outcome was assessed by the use of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition scale (BOT-2) to measure fine motor skills.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the scores of Fine Motor Precision and Fine Motor Integration subtests of each study subgroup and its counterpart subgroup in the control group (normative values according to the scale) which has the same age and gender characteristics where p value equals (0.0008 or less, 0.0009 or less) respectively, with a large effect size less than -0.83.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that children with sensorineural hearing loss have a defect in their fine motor skills when compared to normal children of the same gender and age groups according to Bruininks-Oseretsky scale.

Effects of a 12-week structured circuit exercise program on physical fitness levels of children with autism spectrum condition and typically developing children

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the effects of a circuit exercise program on the physical fitness parameters of children with atypical autism spectrum condition (ASC) and typically developing (TD) children.

METHOD

Fourteen (14) boys with atypical autism (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.25 years; weight: 24.97 ± 0.64 kg; height: 126.79 ± 1.33 cm) and 14 typically developing boys (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.30 years; weight: 26.97 ± 0.55 kg; height: 126.50 ± 0.62 cm) participated in the study. The children were divided into four groups using a random coin toss: Autism Exercise Group (AEG), Autism Control Group (ACG), Typically Developing Exercise Group (TDEG), and Typically Developing Control Group (TDCG). Testing parameters from the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of gross motor proficiency (BOT-2) included running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, and the standing long jump. Handgrip strength (both sides), reaction times (visual and auditory), and flexibility tests were also performed. The exercise program consisted of three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks, using the most-to-least prompting method.

FINDINGS

Significant improvements were observed for AEG in running speed and agility, balance, standing long jump, reaction times, handgrip strength, and flexibility (p < 0.05). For TDEG, only the standing long jump scores failed to significantly improve (p < .05). Comparing AEG and TDEG pre- and post-test results, the former showed 30% greater development with respect to balance, standing long jump, auditory reaction time, and handgrip strength (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the significant improvements in physical fitness parameters of AEG, we recommend that children with ASC start sports training immediately when diagnosed with autism and participate in structured physical activities with their peers.

An Assessment of the Motor Performance Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Gulf Region

This study aims to determine the prevalence, severity, and nature of the motor abnormalities seen in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as to elucidate the associated developmental profiles. The short-form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) was used to assess various aspects of the motor performance of 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children (age range: 6–12 years) from three Gulf states. The results revealed the high prevalence of motor abnormalities among the ASD group when compared with the normative data derived from the BOT-2 manual as well as with the data concerning the typically developing group. The results also indicated that the motor performance of the children with ASD fell within the below-average range according to the BOT-2 cut-off score. Further, the results suggested that the age variable may influence the overall motor performance of children with ASD, since the children’s motor abnormalities may decrease with maturation. The results concerning the specific motor dysfunction profiles seen in individuals with ASD could help practitioners, parents, and educators to better understand the nature of the motor deficits exhibited by children with ASD, which could assist with the design and implementation of treatment and rehabilitation programs for such children. Overall, motor performance represents an important aspect that should be considered during the clinical evaluation of ASD and that should not be ignored during early interventions.

Investigating fine motor deficits during maintenance therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVES

Children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in their early childhood are more susceptible to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairments. This cross-sectional study was designed to address different types of fine motor impairments in Egyptian children diagnosed with ALL.

METHODS

Fifty-four children treated for ALL in maintenance phase aged from four to seven years were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. Fine motor performance was assessed using the total fine motor form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-second edition (BOT-2). Sex- and age-specific norms of BOT-2 were used to calculate scale and standard scores in both groups.

RESULTS

Children with ALL had significantly impaired fine motor skills in all subtests and composites of BOT-2 compared with the typically developing group (P < 0.00001). Cumulative doses of vincristine, methotrexate, and dexamethasone revealed no significant correlation with any BOT-2 measure. Males performed significantly better than females in all BOT-2 scores except for the fine motor integration subtest and the total fine motor control composite as no significant differences were observed. The protocol risk stratum, duration of maintenance treatment, and the age at assessment did not significantly affect the BOT-2 measures.

CONCLUSION

About 67% of children with ALL on maintenance treatment experienced fine motor difficulties. Periodic evaluation along the course of chemotherapy could identify specific impaired fine motor domains providing the base for a successful rehabilitation program.

Motor Skills of 5-Year-Old Children: Gender Differences and Activity and Family Correlates

It is unclear why there may be gender differences in the motor skills of same aged children. We compared motor skill competence of 5-year-old boys and girls ( n = 712) and examined whether variations in time spent in different types of activities and in family-related variables were associated with motor skills. We measured motor skills with the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test, Second Edition short form, and we used parental questionnaires to measure behavioral and family-related variables. Girls outperformed boys on most motor skills tasks, as eight of 14 tests showed statistically significant gender differences ( p <  .001). In addition, drawing or doing handicrafts for 60 minutes or more per day was positively associated with fine motor control ( p <  .001). Father’s higher education was associated with the children’s better body coordination ( p =  .020). Finally, both attending day care ( p =  .017) and outdoor physical activity for 60 minutes or more per day ( p =  .034) were positively associated with strength and agility. We found no associations between manual coordination and either daily activities or family-related variables. Time spent in different activities of young children should be recognized as a means of enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2): Compatibility of the Complete and Short Form and Its Usefulness for Middle-Age School Children

Background: The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2) assesses the psychomotor development. It is available in two forms. According to several studies the BOT-2 short form (SF) provides significantly higher results than the BOT-2 complete form (CF). This might be due to the use of an inadequate type of scores when comparing results of the SF and the CF. Objective: To verify whether the degree of psychomotor development assessed by the BOT-2 SF is comparable to the results of the BOT-2 CF in middle-age school children when using standard scores considering age and sex. Methods: The research sample consisted of n = 153 neurotypical children (n = 69 girls, n = 84 boys) from 8 to 11 years (9.53 ± 0.85). The degree of psychomotor development was determined by the standard scores of the BOT-2 CF and BOT-2 SF-both considering sex and age. The conformity in results between the CF and the SF, the sensitivity and specificity of the BOT-2 SF and the relations between the results of each sub-test within the BOT-2 CF and the BOT-2 SF were analyzed. Results: The BOT-2 SF provided a statistically significantly lower standard score x = 45.87 (±5.41) compared to the BOT-2 CF x = 47.57 (±8.29) p < 0.05 with middle effect size value, Hays ω² = 0.09. The ROC analysis showed that the BOT-2 SF obtains sufficient sensitivity (84%) but poor specificity (42.9%) and AUC = 0.484 CI95% (0.31-0.62). Moreover, only 57% of total variance of the BOT-2 CF is explained by the relation between the results of the CF and the SF. Conclusion: The BOT-2 SF does not provide practically significant different results compared to the BOT-2 CF when using a proper scale for comparing both versions. In addition, poor specificity of the BOT-SF suggests that the BOT-2 SF might be a useful tool to reveal mainly psychomotorically delayed but not above average (psychomotorically advanced) children. Further, due to the weak portion of a shared common factor, it remains still unclear whether the BOT-2 CF and the BOT-2 SF measure the same behavioral domain.

The effects of hemsball on the motor proficiency of students with intellectual disabilities

Objective: The effects of hemsball game skills development program on the motor proficiency level of children in the 12-16 age group with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities (ID) have been examined in this study. Method: A total of 50 (25 experimental group +25 control group) students, 23 of which had mild intellectual disabilities (ID) and 27 with moderate ID studying in special education classes in the schools in Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey participated in the study. While no training was given to the control group, the students in the experimental group were subjected to 60 min of applications involving a basic hemsball training program per day for 3 days per week throughout 12 weeks. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) sub-tests (balance, bilateral coordination, upper-limb coordination) were applied twice, once before starting the program (pre-test) and once after the program was completed (post-test). The obtained data were tested with paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-test. Result and Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was noted that the application of the hemsball game skill development program had incurred significant differences between the experimental and control group according to the post-test as well as the pre-test and post-test for the experimental group which were positive. However, it was determined that the application was more effective in students with moderate level ID than students with mild ID.

Convergent validity of two motor skill tests used to assess school-age children

BACKGROUND

Motor skills allow children to interact with their surrounding environment, making the progression of competent motor skills crucial to development. The most common form of motor skill assessment is through the use of performance-based tests. Performance measures need to be both reliable and valid to ensure they are of high quality. Two examples of performance-based motor skill tests often used to assess children are the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency--2nd edition (BOT-2) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children--2nd edition (MABC-2).

AIM

This study investigated the convergent validity between the BOT-2 and MABC-2 when completed by typically developing school-aged children aged 7-16 years.

METHOD

A convenience sample of 50 children aged 7-16 years with no history of motor or intellectual impairments was recruited. Scores from the BOT-2 and MABC-2 were analysed using Spearman's rho correlation.

RESULTS

The study found that the MABC-2 11- to 16-year-old group (age band 3) was significantly associated with the BOT-2; however, there were no significant relationships between the MABC-2 7- to 10-year-old group (age band 2) and the BOT-2.

CONCLUSION

The MABC-2 and BOT-2 appear to assess associated motor skill abilities in children aged 11-16 years but not in children aged 7-10. This study adds to the body of convergent validity evidence regarding the MABC-2 and BOT-2.

Effect of Wii-intervention on balance of children with poor motor performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training with the Wii-balance board on balance and balance-related skills of children with poor motor performance. Twenty-nine children (23 boys, 6 girls; aged 7-12 years) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to an experimental and control group. All children scored below the 16th percentile on a standardized test of motor ability and balance skills (Movement Assessment Battery for children (M-ABC-2)). Before and after a six-week Wii-intervention (M=8h, 22 min, SD=53 min), the balance skills of the experimental group and control group were measured with the M-ABC-2 and the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency (BOT-2). Both groups improved on all tests. The M-ABC-2 and the BOT-2 total balance-scores of the experimental group improved significantly from pre to post intervention, whereas those of the control group showed no significant progress. This resulted in significant interaction-effects, favoring the experimental children. No transfer-effects of the intervention on balance-related skills were demonstrated. Our findings showed that the Wii-balance board is an effective intervention for children with poor balance control. Further development and investigation of the intervention could be directed toward the implementation of the newly acquired balance-skills in daily life.