TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of gender and age on motor exam in typically developing children
AU - Larson, Jennifer C.Gidley
AU - Mostofsky, Stewart H.
AU - Goldberg, Melissa C.
AU - Cutting, Laurie E.
AU - Denckla, Martha B.
AU - Mahone, E. Mark
N1 - Funding Information:
The research for this article was supported by NS-25806, Neurodevelopmen-tal Pathways to Learning Disabilities; Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, HD-24061; U.S. Congressionally Directed Materiel and Medical Command (DAMD17-00-1-0548); K08 NS 02039, K01 MH 01824, MH 52432R29, P01 HD 35468, K02 NS04485, 1R01 NS047781, and the Rita Rudel Foundation. The authors also wish to thank Rebecca Landa, Ph.D., for her assistance in obtaining data.
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - Few studies have contrasted performance of typically developing boys and girls on standardized motor assessment. In the present study, developmental status of the motor system was assessed in 144 typically developing children (72 boys, 72 girls, ages 7-14), using the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS, Denckla, 1985). Four summary variables were examined: (1) Gaits and Stations, (2) Overflow, (3) Dysrythmia, and (4) Timed Movements. For most variables, gender differences were not significant; however significant gender effects were observed for some subtle signs (involuntary movements), gaits and stations, and timed patterned movements. In all instances, girls showed fewer subtle signs and were faster and more proficient than boys. Significant age-related changes were observed for some subtle signs (dysrythmia and overflow), and for timed movements. In contrast, by age 7, many of the skills assessed by the PANESS have reached "adult" level in typically developing children. Motor development appears to follow a different developmental course in girls than in boys; separate gender and age norms should be used in clinical assessment of motor function in children.
AB - Few studies have contrasted performance of typically developing boys and girls on standardized motor assessment. In the present study, developmental status of the motor system was assessed in 144 typically developing children (72 boys, 72 girls, ages 7-14), using the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS, Denckla, 1985). Four summary variables were examined: (1) Gaits and Stations, (2) Overflow, (3) Dysrythmia, and (4) Timed Movements. For most variables, gender differences were not significant; however significant gender effects were observed for some subtle signs (involuntary movements), gaits and stations, and timed patterned movements. In all instances, girls showed fewer subtle signs and were faster and more proficient than boys. Significant age-related changes were observed for some subtle signs (dysrythmia and overflow), and for timed movements. In contrast, by age 7, many of the skills assessed by the PANESS have reached "adult" level in typically developing children. Motor development appears to follow a different developmental course in girls than in boys; separate gender and age norms should be used in clinical assessment of motor function in children.
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U2 - 10.1080/87565640701361013
DO - 10.1080/87565640701361013
M3 - Article
C2 - 17650993
AN - SCOPUS:34547730146
VL - 32
SP - 543
EP - 562
JO - Developmental Neuropsychology
JF - Developmental Neuropsychology
SN - 8756-5641
IS - 1
ER -