Correlation Between Pinch Grip and Handwriting in School-Age Children

NCT07572474 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: P.T.REC/012/004847
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: Good handwriting is an important daily skill for school-aged children, helping them to learn and communicate effectively. While experts believe that fine motor skills of the hand, like the strength of a child's pinch grip, might be important for handwriting, we don't yet fully understand the connection between the two. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure the possible relationship between pinch grip strength and handwriting quality in school-aged children. Study Details: This study will enroll approximately 100 children between 9 and 11 years old from physical therapy clinics in Egypt. Participating children will be asked to complete two simple tasks. First, they will be asked to write 10 lines of text. Their handwriting will then be scored using a standardized scale (the Handwriting Legibility Scale). Second, their pinch grip strength will be measured using a specialized mechanical device called a pinch gauge. The investigators will then analyze the data to see if a relationship exists between pinch grip strength and handwriting performance.

Conditions

Healthy Participants

Keywords

Pinch grip strength; Handwriting legibility

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS) Score

  The Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS) is a standardized tool that assesses the overall legibility of handwriting. It contains five components, each rated on a 5-point scale (1-5), with higher scores indicating poorer performance. Total scores range from 5 to 25, interpreted as good handwriting (5-10), legible handwriting (11-15), or poor handwriting (16-25).

  Baseline (single assessment visit)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Palmar Pinch Grip Strength

  Baseline (single assessment visit)

Study Arms (1)

All Participants

Children aged 9-10 years recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics. All participants undergo the same assessments: pinch grip strength measurement and handwriting legibility evaluation. No interventions are administered.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 9 Years - 10 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Children aged 9 to 10 years recruited from the Out-Patient Clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University and the Faculty of Physical Therapy at October 6 University. The population includes both male and female children who are typically developing, without diagnosed neurological, developmental, or cognitive disorders that would affect hand function or handwriting ability.

You may qualify if:

• Age between 9 and 10 years old
• Both genders (male and female)
• Able to understand and follow simple instructions (IQ level not less than 50)
• No visual or auditory problems
• Not taking special medications affecting mental functions

You may not qualify if:

• Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dysgraphia
• Cognitive developmental disorder

Sponsors & Collaborators

• October 6 University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Physical Therapy, October 6 University

Giza, Giza Governorate, 123, Egypt

Location

Related Links

• Related Info

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 1, 2026
• First Posted: May 7, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)