Sensory-motor intervention in reading performance in dyslexic children

• Grant number: 23/18265-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: José Angelo Barela
• Grantee: José Angelo Barela
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Reading is not a trivial task and involves cognitive aspects and mechanisms in order to identify letter and words and appropriate eye movements. Several strategies have been proposed and used aiming to reduce and minimize reading and writing difficulties in dyslexic children. Recently, reading performance was observed due to a computer-based oculomotor program and motor activity intervention. Unfortunately, the combine effect of these both interventions has not been observed in educational environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a sensory-motor program intervention in reading, eye movement, and motor skills in dyslexic children in a multidisciplinary interventional center. Third children with dyslexia (8- to 12-years of age) will participate in this crossover study. Initially, children will be assessed (T1) in reading performance, eye movements, manual coordination, and postural control. Following, children will be divided into two groups with a group participating in a motor activity program and the other group in a computer-based oculomotor training, lasting 4 months. Children will undergo all the evaluations again (T2) and, then, the interventional programs will be switched. After 4 months, children will be evaluated again (T3). Comparisons among T1, T2, and T3 will be performed using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and multivariate analysis (MANOVAs). (AU)