A device for quantitative kinematic analysis of children’s handwriting movements

Abstract

Kinematic analysis of handwriting is a promising new frontier towards the characterization of handwriting movements, both in children and adults, with and without difficulties or pathologies that disrupt normal handwriting processes. The challenge, however, is to define and measure parameters that tap and highlight underlying mechanisms and strategies in order to comprehend such disorders, promote prevention programs and provide treatment or remedy, whenever possible. This work represents a practical application, binding neuropsychologic theory and engineering technology in the development of a device that enables on-line process analysis of handwriting, offering ample possibilities of research, both in medical and educational fields. Although employing complex mathematical procedures, the device is user friendly in its interface design and allows the rapid analysis of the parameters reported in literature, as well as some new and interesting variables that may contribute to the understanding of handwriting difficulties. The device has been successfully tested and used in a major Italian institute for childcare and research to evaluate handwriting proficiency in children. Preliminary results indicate that kinematic analysis of handwriting thus performed provides important information for the diagnosis and treatment of dysgraphia.