Handwriting Performance, Motor Coordination and Quality of Life Among Adolescents with Dysgraphia

Abstract

Objectives: To (1) compare handwriting process measures, motor-coordination performance, and quality of life (QOL) between adolescents with dysgraphia and matched controls, as well as the correlations between those domains among individuals with dysgraphia; Further to (2) examine the contribution of handwriting process measures and motor-coordination performance to the prediction of the physical domain of QOL among adolescents with dysgraphia. Method: Participants included 80 adolescents (13–18 yr), 40 with dysgraphia and 40 matched controls. Adolescents copied a paragraph on paper affixed to a digitizer supplying objective handwriting process measures (Computerized Penmanship Evaluation Tool [ComPET]) and completed the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder Checklist (ADC motor performance) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Significant group differences were found for the handwriting process (ComPET), motor-coordination performance (ADC), and self-perceived QOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Significant correlations were found between handwriting process measures and motor-coordination ability (ADC-C) and physical QOL. 38% of variability in the adolescent’s QOL physical domain was predicted by pen stroke height, duration and current feelings about participants’ motor-coordination performance as reflected by others. Conclusion: Results show strongly significant differences in handwriting and motor-coordination performance between adolescents with and without dysgraphia, as in aspects of QOL. Variability in physical QOL can be predicted by handwriting capabilities and motor-coordination performance.