Motor Actions Frequency in Children with Low and Normal Vision when Exploring Cubes with and Without Visual Stimulation

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed to compare the motor action frequency in cubes with visual stimulation (light and high contrast) and without visual stimulation (transparent and black) in children with low vision and normal vision. Six children with low vision (43 months; ±2) and seven children with normal vision (42,3 months; ±2.9) participated in the study. Four types of cubes (luminous, high contrast, transparent and black) and two video cameras were used to measure the motor action frequency. All assessments were recorded and analyzed. Each child received a cube for one minute, with 15 seconds interval between cubes, the sequence for handing the cubes was randomized. There were significant differences of motor action frequency between children with low vision and normal vision for the high contrast cube (p=0,036), and children with low vision presented higher frequency than those with normal vision. In addition, for the high contrast cube, significant differences were found in the frequency of bimanual reaching (p=0,027) and rotating the cube (p=0,006), higher for the group with low vision. The high contrast cube stimulated the children with low vision to perform higher frequency of motor actions, especially in bimanual reach and rotating the cube.

KEYWORDS:
Special Education; Low vision; Play; Motor skills; Child development