Work

Handwriting speed in left‐handed children with right‐sided neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: To investigate whether left-handed children with right-sided neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) exhibited differences in handwriting speed compared to typically developing left-handed children. If differences were identified, potential contributing factors were explored. METHOD: In this observational study with comparison groups, 74 left-handed children aged 6 to 21 years, all with right-handed parents, were included: 32 with right-sided NBPP (16 females) and 42 typically developing controls (22 females). Handwriting speed was measured using the 'Vlaamse schrijfsnelheidstest' (Flemish Writing Speed Test) and compared to age- and sex-normed centile scores. Functional assessments included grip strength (E-LINK), fine motor proficiency (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition), and manual dexterity (Purdue Pegboard Test [PPT]). Cognitive ability was assessed via a derived IQ (DIQ). Group comparisons were conducted using general linear models adjusted for age. In the group with NBPP, linear and multiple regression analyses examined associations with handwriting speed. RESULTS: Children with NBPP showed significantly slower handwriting speed than typically developing controls (mean difference = 25.04 [6.20]; p < 0.001). The score on the PPT performed with the left hand (β = 4.787, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.332-9.242; p = 0.036) and the DIQ score (β = 0.730, 95% CI = 0.104-1.355; p = 0.024) were identified as determinants of handwriting speed in the group with NBPP. INTERPRETATION: Despite writing with the unaffected hand, children with right-sided NBPP demonstrated significantly reduced handwriting speed, best predicted by the manual dexterity of the writing hand and cognitive capacity.

Source: Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology

DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.70247

Authors: Rani De Pauw, Laura Tack, Anke Van Bladel, Ruth Van der Looven

Institutions: Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University

Language: English

Topic: Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,300