Embodied versus conventional writing practice to improve preschool handwriting
Effects of Embodied Writing Versus Conventional Writing Practice for Handwriting in Preschool Children.
This trial will test whether embodied writing or conventional writing practices better improve handwriting in 3–6-year-old children who have handwriting difficulties.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07244120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial will enroll 148 preschool children with handwriting problems and randomly assign them to either conventional writing practice with parental ergonomics guidance or embodied writing practice combined with parent ergonomic education. Interventions run for eight weeks with pre- and post-intervention measures of handwriting legibility, speed, and motor coordination using the Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaire and the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment. The protocol focuses on comparing whole-body, movement-based learning (embodied writing) to structured tracing and practice (conventional writing) delivered in school settings. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23 to compare change between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are 3–6-year-old children enrolled in regular primary school who have poor handwriting (HPSQ score around 20) and no major developmental, neurological, visual, hearing, or upper-limb impairments.
Not a fit: Children with developmental delay, neurological or gross motor impairments, recent upper-limb trauma, significant visual or hearing problems, or those already receiving physiotherapy are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve handwriting legibility, speed, and motor coordination in preschool children and support earlier school readiness.
How similar studies have performed: Small and emerging studies suggest embodied learning can aid motor and learning engagement, but direct evidence comparing embodied versus conventional approaches for preschool handwriting is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child has poor handwriting as assessed by the HPSQ (20) * Child is of age between 3-6 years. * The child attends a regular primary school. * Both boys and girls will be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Developmental delay * Physical impairment of upper extremity * Hearing deficit (21) * Visual problem * Any recent trauma to upper limb * Gross motor impairment * Neurological deficit * Receiving any Physiotherapy before
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Imran Amjad — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayesha Asif, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.