Motor Skill Training Effects on Eye-Hand-Subject Coordination and Reaction Time in 6 - 16 Years Old Children with Asd and Down Syndrome (Ds)

Genti Pano

Abstract

ASD is becoming one of the most common paediatric cases in the world and several research studies report an increased ASD prevalence. DS is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. Main objective of this study was to investigate motor skill training effects on eye-hand-subject coordination and reaction time in 6 - 16 years old children with ASD and DS. 21 children with ASD 20 children with DS became part of this study. 3 tests were used to evaluate the motor skills: 1. Grooved Pegboard Test (mod 7446). 2. Box and Blocks Test. 3. Ruler Drop Test. A 12 weeks exercise training program twice a week including; cardiovascular exercise, short and fast jogging, flexibility exercises and gross motor control exercises. Each group was assigned to an exercise station (total 5 stations), with a total of 20 min. The ANOVA procedure was used to compare the means of the comparison group. Results showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) in overall performance and in hand coordination tasks after exercise intervention for the following tests: Box & Block Test (60 sec/piece); visual control - Ruler drop test; and Grooved Pegboard Test. Children with ASD compared with those with DS often faced difficulties maintaining balance due to muscular hypo tony and muscle imbalances problems. Nevertheless, this study results outlined an improvement on overall physical ability due to engagement in a variety of different exercises. Keywords: ASD, DS, motor skills, coordination and reaction time


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