Few studies have examined differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype between children from multiplex and simplex families at the time of diagnosis. The present study used an age- and gender-matched, community-based sample (n = 105) from the southwestern United States to examine differences in ASD symptom severity, cognitive…

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how physical education teachers analyze their students' swimming skills. Particular attention is given to information gathering within the diagnostic process. Methods: Data were collected from a quantitative online survey of German physical education teachers from primary and secondary schools (n = 551).…

Previous studies on Virtual Reality (VR)-enriched learning pointed out the advantages of immersive learning for the development of competencies. In the context of vocational education in vehicle painting, training opportunities are severely limited for many reasons. VR can be utilized to develop a comprehensive learning environment with authentic…

This article comprehensively reviews motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to: (1) determine the prevalence of motor problems in children with ASD; (2) understand the nature of motor difficulties in ASD and whether they are consistent with developmental coordination disorder (DCD); and (3) determine if the term DCD was…

Introduction: This article reports the physical abilities and physical wellness of three groups of children with different neurodevelopmental disabilities--Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability. Methods: The causal-comparative research method was implemented in this study. The participants comprised 32 students with moderate…

Children tend to make more last-minute locomotor adjustments than adults when avoiding stationary obstacles. The purpose of this study was to compare avoidance behaviors of middle-aged children (10-12 years old) with young adults during a head-on collision course with an approaching virtual pedestrian. Participants were immersed in a virtual…

Background: Children with motor delays are at increased risk for delayed means-end problem-solving (MEPS) performance. Objectives: To evaluate children with motor delays: 1) the impact of motor delay severity and MEPS mastery timing on developmental trajectories of MEPS; and 2) the effectiveness of Sitting Together And Reaching To Play…

This dissertation aimed to answer whether motor skills can be taught online and if the learning outcomes are similar to in-person learning. Considering the popularity of online learning, increasing our understanding of its outcomes is well warranted. Furthermore, evidence of the effectiveness of online instruction is very much in discussion.…

The current study investigated the effects of an integrative exercise intervention on the behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and if they were influenced by ASD symptom severity. Sixty-six children (7.56 ± 2.03 yrs.) with ASD were enrolled and categorised as having mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 18) or severe (n = 26)…

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to validate common respiratory calibration methods for estimating lung volume in children. Method: Respiratory kinematic data were collected via inductive plethysmography from 81 typically developing children and nine children with neuromotor disorders. Correction factors for the rib cage and abdomen…

Chunking mechanisms are central to several cognitive processes and notably to the acquisition of visuo-motor sequences. Individuals segment sequences into chunks of items to perform visuo-motor tasks more fluidly, rapidly, and accurately. However, the exact dynamics of chunking processes in the case of extended practice remain unclear. Using an…

Across languages, certain syllables are systematically preferred to others (e.g., "plaf > ptaf"). Here, we examine whether these preferences arise from motor simulation. In the simulation account, ill-formed syllables (e.g., "ptaf") are disliked because their motor plans are harder to simulate. Four experiments compared…

Hand hygiene is critical for infection control, but studies report poor transfer from training to practice. Hand hygiene training in hospitals typically involves one classroom session per year, but psychomotor skills require repetition and feedback for retention. We describe the design and independent evaluation of a mobile interactive augmented…

Aim: Sport activities can increase the number of motor tasks performed by children with disabilities, helping to motivate these children to sustain life-long exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual and traditional golf training on balance, muscle strength, lower extremity flexibility and aerobic endurance in…

School recess, a component within the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP), provides an opportunity to increase children's physical activity (PA). Although various studies have described PA interventions during recess, little is known about the effect of age, gender, and gross motor skill level on participation in such programs.…