Upper limb movements become faster and straighter with age in typically developing children

Introduction Upper limb three-dimensional motion analysis (UL-3DMA) is increasingly used to assess movement pathology in children with movement disorders. However, knowledge regarding the maturation of UL spatiotemporal characteristics in typically developing children (TDC) remains scarce. Here, we investigate age-related changes in UL spatiotemporal parameters a large group of TDC. Patients and methods The non-dominant UL of 60 TDC (mean age 10y1m, SD 3y1m) was assessed using 3DMA during eight tasks: reaching (forwards (RF), upwards (RU), sideways (RS)), reach-to-grasp (a sphere (RGS), a vertical cylinder (RGV)) and daily-life-activity related tasks (hand-to-head (HTH), hand-to-mouth (HTM), hand-to-shoulder (HTS)). Movement duration, maximum velocity (Vmax), timing of maximum velocity and trajectory straightness were compared between age-groups: 5-7y (n=17), 8-10y (n=16), 11-12y (n=11) and 13-15y (n=16). Based on data distribution, either ANOVA (post-hoc t-test) or Kruskal-Wallis (post-hoc Mann-Whitney-U test) was used. Results We found differences between age-groups for movement duration (RGS, p=0.02), Vmax (all tasks except RU, p<0.02) and trajectory straightness (all tasks, p<0.02). The youngest group (5-7y) had lower Vmax (RS and HTS, p<0.013) and less straight trajectories (RU, RS, RGV and HTS, p<0.013) than children between 11-12y. Children in the 11-12ygroup did not differ from the 13-15ygroup, suggesting a maturation in motion after age 10. No differences were found for timing of maximum velocity. Conclusion Older TDC move faster and in a straighter line toward the target than younger children, which could indicate increased movement efficiency. Current results provide a reference for UL movement pathology interpretation in children with movement disorders.

Jaar van publicatie:2018

Toegankelijkheid:Closed