Fine Motor Performance in School-aged Children

NCT07767656 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: CU-OM-1272026
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between core stability, hand grip strength, and handwriting performance in typically developing school-aged children aged 8 to 12 years. The study aims to determine whether core stability is associated with upper extremity function and handwriting abilities during middle childhood. The main questions the study aims to answer are:

• Is there a relationship between core stability and hand grip strength in typically developing school-aged children?
• Is there a relationship between core stability and handwriting performance in typically developing school-aged children? Participants will undergo the following assessments:
• Assessment of core stability using the McGill core endurance tests.
• Measurement of hand grip strength using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.

Conditions

Healthy Children

Keywords

core stability; fine motor performance; hand grip strength; hand writing performance; typically developing children; school aged children

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Core Stability Assessed by the McGill Core Endurance Tests

  Core stability will be assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Tests, including the Trunk Flexor Endurance Test, Trunk Extensor Endurance Test, and Side Bridge Test. Each test will be recorded in seconds, with longer endurance times indicating better core stability.

  baseline assessment

• Hand Grip Strength Assessed by a Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer

  Hand grip strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The maximum grip strength will be recorded for each hand in kilograms (kg).

  baseline assessment

• Handwriting Performance Assessed by the Handwriting Legibility Scale for Children in Elementary School (HLS CHES)

  Handwriting performance will be assessed using the Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS). The scale consists of five components, each rated from 1 to 5, with a total score ranging from 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate poorer handwriting performance. The total HLS score will be used to quantify handwriting legibility.

  baseline assessment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 8 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of typically developing school-aged children between 8 and 12 years of age. Participants of both sexes will be recruited according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Children with neurological, musculoskeletal, visual, cognitive, or developmental disorders that could affect core stability, hand grip strength, or handwriting performance will be excluded. Written informed consent will be obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participants before enrollment in the study.

You may qualify if:

• Children will be included in the study according to the following criteria:
• Typically developing children aged 8-12 years.
• Both boys and girls.
• Enrolled in primary school.
• Able to understand and follow simple verbal instructions.
• Able to read and write in English according to their educational level.
• Regular school attendance.
• Children with a typical level of physical activity for their age and not participating in competitive athletic training programs.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

You may not qualify if:

• History of neurological, developmental, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting posture, upper limb function, or handwriting.
• Upper limb pain, deformity, fracture, or injury within the previous six months.
• Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment.
• Diagnosed developmental coordination disorder (DCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, or specific learning disorder affecting handwriting.
• Previous surgery involving the upper limb or spine

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Central Study Contacts

omnia mohamed abbas, master

CONTACT

01150016181; manomohamed40316181@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Teaching assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 6, 2026
• First Posted: August 17, 2026
• Study Start: September 20, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 20, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 20, 2027
• Last Updated: August 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share