1Undergraduate, Allied Health Science Unit, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
2Lecturer, Allied Health Science Unit, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
3Senior Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Online published on 31 October, 2012.
Hand writing is an essential tool required by students. It is a complex process which involves close coordination between musculo skeletal and nervous systems.
To assess the effectiveness of upper limb exercises on handwriting speed.
An interventional prospective study involving undergraduate students. Structured exercise programe was held five days a week (for about 20 minutes) for 4 weeks. Writing speed, strength of palmar pinch grip and upper limb coordination was measured at beginning, two and four weeks later.
At the beginning hand writing speed was 23.9 wpm. The pinch grip strength and coordination of upper limb were, 3.8kg and 8.6 (pegs/15 seconds) respectively. Exercise programme showed statistical significant improvement in all 3 areas measured. There was a 21% improvement in hand writing speed, 41.7% improvement in Pinch grip strength of dominant hand and 11.9% improvement in upper limb coordination.
Uppers limb exercise programmes can be used to improve the hand writing speed.
Upper limb exercise, Hand writing speed
