Normative data of evaluation tool of children handwriting – cursive(ETCH-C) in Chennai children

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data of ETCH-C for Chennai children.

Five hundred eighty three (n= 583) children, aged 6 to 10 yrs (mean age = 7.58 years ± 1.14) were included. ETCH-C was administered individually to assess handwriting speed and legibility.

There is statistically significant difference (t = -2.706; p =.007) for letter legibility and statistically no significant difference for word legibility (t = -1.796; p =.073), numerical legibility (t =.638; p =.523) and speed in near point copying (t = -.732; p =.464) and far point copying (t = -.084; p =.933) in gender performance. There is positive correlation between age and speed (near point copying (r =.396), far point copying (r =.4)), age and word legibility(r =.253). There is no correlation between age and letter legibility(r =.010), age and numerical legibility (r =.028).

The normative data obtained from this study can be used as assessment tool as well as outcome measures.