title: Effect of robotic-assisted three-dimensional repetitive motion to improve hand motor function and control in children with handwriting deficits: a nonrandomized phase 2 device trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We explored the efficacy of robotic technology in improving handwriting in children with impaired motor skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen participants had impairments arising from cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other disorders. The intervention was robotic-guided three-dimensional repetitive motion in 15-20 daily sessions of 25-30 min each over 4-8 wk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fine motor control improved for the children with learning disabilities and those ages 9 or older but not for those with CP or under age 9. All children with ASD or ADHD referred for slow writing speed were able to increase speed while maintaining legibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three-dimensional, robot-assisted, repetitive motion training improved handwriting fluidity in children with mild to moderate fine motor deficits associated with ASD or ADHD within 10 hr of training. This dosage may not be sufficient for children with CP.
authors.affiliation: College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. InnovAbility@comcast.net
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Palsbo
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hood-Szivek
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; D002547:Cerebral Palsy; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006236:Handwriting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012371:Robotics