Correlation between scapular muscle endurance and handwriting legibility in school children: Correlational study

Abstract

Purpose: Handwriting is an important functional task that needs to be performed by children in lower grades of elementary school, and it is an essential ability for academic achievements. To evaluate the ability of handwriting performance in children, various dimensions must be considered including the domain of handwriting, legibility, speed, and ergonomic factors. During the process of handwriting, most of the movements come from the forearm while the shoulder provides the power with minimum movement occurring at fingers and wrist. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to do repeated contractions against a less-than-maximum resistance for a given period. Fatigue of the Proximal muscles has been reportedly affected the coordination of Distal muscles. This study studies the correlation between scapular muscle endurance and handwriting legibility in school children. Method: In this study, 70 samples were collected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The test was explained to them and their parents in detail and ascent. Handwriting legibility was assessed using a handwriting legibility scale. Scapular muscle endurance was assessed using the Scapular muscle endurance test. Data was collected and analyzed. Results: The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between scapular muscle endurance and handwriting legibility. The statistical analysis showed that the correlation coefficient (r=0.5) which states that there is a moderately positive correlation. The p-value was <0.0001 which is considered extremely significant. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is a positive correlation between scapular muscle endurance and handwriting legibility.