Balance and Motor Skills in SLD Children

The aim of this study is to evaluate postural control, balance, and fine motor skills in specific learning disabilities, a common problem. While various studies have shown impairments in balance and fine motor skills in the literature, no studies were found that evaluated postural control in children with specific learning disabilities. If the results of this study reveal statistically significant impairments in posture control and balance, observing these physical impairments could partially prevent delays in diagnosing specific learning disabilities. Furthermore, adding specific exercises to the rehabilitation program for children with specific learning disabilities can significantly improve their quality of daily life. The investigators hope that the results of this study will contribute to the literature by raising awareness about specific learning disabilities, postural control, balance, and fine motor skills.

• -Seated Postural Control Measure (Other): -The Seated Postural Control Measure will be used to assess postural control. This measurement evaluates both postural abnormalities and determines the effect of sitting on postural control. The highest possible score on the scale is 88 points for upright sitting posture (USP) and 48 points for upper extremity functionality (UEF). A high score on the test represents good postural control.
• -Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test (two sub-items) for balance (Other): -Balance will be assessed using two sub-items from the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Competency Test. The first test assesses standing on a balance beam with the dominant foot (eyes open), and the second test assesses standing in a "toe-heel contact" position on the balance beam. The time the child spends standing is recorded in seconds. A longer duration indicates better balance.
• -Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTEFT) and 9-Hole Peg Test to assess hand function (Other): -The Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) assesses card flipping, picking up small objects, inserting chips, and eating. In the 9-hole peg test, children are asked to place nine pegs one by one into holes on a platform and then remove them. The time elapsed is recorded in seconds. Longer times indicate poor fine motor skills.

Primary outcomes

• Seated Postural Control Measure results [6 months]: -Seated Postural Control Measure results (this measurement described at material metod section)
• Standing time on the balance board with the dominant foot (Eyes open) [6 months]: This test is a sub-item included in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test. This test is based on the time it takes to perform the required motor skill in the required manner. The child attempts to stand on a balance beam with their dominant foot, while keeping the other foot in a flexed position parallel to the ground. The child looks at a point 7 feet (2.14 m) away and at eye level, and tries to maintain their balance for 10 seconds. The time they can hold the balance is recorded.
• Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration [6 months]: -Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration
• 9-hole peg test duration [6 months]: 9-hole peg test duration
• Standing time in the "toe-heel contact" position on the balance board [6 months]: This test is a sub-item included in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test. Children are asked to stand on a balance beam for 10 seconds with their back big toe touching the heel of their front foot. The time they can hold the balance is recorded.

Secondary outcomes

• Relationship between age and Sitting Posture Control Measurement [6 months]: -Relationship between age and Sitting Posture Control Measurement
• Relationship between gender and Sitting Posture Control Measurement [6 months]: -Relationship between gender and Sitting Posture Control Measurement
• Relationship between age and two sub-items of the balance test in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test [6 months]: -Relationship between age and two sub-items of the balance test in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test
• Relationship between gender and two sub-items of the balance test in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test [6 months]: -Relationship between gender and two sub-items of the balance test in the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test
• Relationship between age and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration [6 months]: -Relationship between age and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration
• Relationship between age and 9-hole peg test duration [6 months]: -Relationship between age and 9-hole peg test duration
• Relationship between gender and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration [6 months]: -Relationship between gender and Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) duration
• Relationship between gender and 9-hole peg test duration [6 months]: -Relationship between gender and 9-hole peg test duration

Sex: All, ages: 6 Years to 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being followed up with a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disability
* Being between 6-18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive dysfunction
* Uncontrolled psychiatric illness
* Mental retardation
* Vision problems
* Hearing problems

• Piek JP, Dyck MJ. Sensory-motor deficits in children with developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic disorder. Hum Mov Sci. 2004 Oct;23(3-4):475-88. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2004.08.019. PMID 15541530