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Neuromotor development from 5 to 18 years. Part 2: associated movements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2001

Remo H Largo
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Jon A Caflisch
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Franziska Hug
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Kathrin Muggli
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Attila A Molnar
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Luciano Molinari
Affiliation:
Growth and Development Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Abstract

Associated movements (AMs) are the most frequently assessed parameters of movement quality in children with motor dysfunctions. In this article, reference curves of duration and degree of AMs from 5 to 18 years are provided. In a cross-sectional study of non-disabled children (n=662) duration and degree of AMs were estimated at six specific ages while children performed repetitive finger, hand, and foot movements, alternating hand and foot movements, diadochokinesis, sequential finger movements, pegboard, stress gaits, and dynamic balance. Moderate-to-high intraobserver and interobserver reliability for the assessment of AMs were noted. Duration and degree of AMs displayed a non-linear developmental course that was a function of the motor task's complexity. AMs decreased most with age in repetitive movements, less in alternating and sequential movements, and least in the pegboard and dynamic balance. Reference curves demonstrated large interindividual variations for duration and degree of AMs. Both the variable developmental course and large interindividual variation need to be taken into account in the assessment of movement quality of school-age children. In contrast to timed performance, considerable sex differences for AMs were observed.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2001 Mac Keith Press

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