Embodied versus conventional writing practice to improve preschool handwriting
Official title: Effects of Embodied Writing Versus Conventional Writing Practice for Handwriting in Preschool Children.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07244120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07244120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.