Introduction: Handwriting is crucial for school-aged children, involving sensory processing and motor coordination challenges. This study introduces FunWrite 1.0, a system based on motor learning theories designed to improve handwriting skills through targeted computer games and practical training.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of the newly developed system in improving handwriting difficulties.
Methods: Incorporating a digital tablet, FunWrite 1.0 is developed for clinical use with two primary functions: the first focuses on the foundational components of handwriting skills and includes games to practice graphomotor movements requiring kinesthetic awareness. The second involves task-based practice, which provides immediate kinematic and kinetic feedback to improve handwriting skills. Between the foundational exercises and practical training, therapists can make appropriate adjustments based on the individual's level.
This clinical research recruited fourteen children with handwriting difficulties to participate in the research. The intervention program was conducted once a week (each session lasting 1.5 hours). All participants completed the eight-week (12-hour) intervention program.
Results / Practice Implications: The computerized evaluation included three dimensions: writing performance, pen control and usage, movement automation, and stroke fluency. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test found there were significant improvements in writing performance, movement automation, and stroke fluency (p<.05), except for pen control and usage (p=.08). The results show that computerized feedback training based on motor learning/control theories can improve children's handwriting difficulties.
Conclusion: The intervention program can be customized to enhance training by practicing foundational skills and adjusting game difficulty. To integrate sensory and motor systems, this study validates that computer-based digital learning structured around motor learning and control can effectively improve handwriting difficulties in children.