No abstract

Early motor skills underpin the more complex and specialized movements required for physical activity. Therefore, the design of interventions that enhance higher levels of early motor skills may encourage subsequent participation in physical activity. To do so, it is necessary to determine the influence of certain factors (some of which appear very early) on early motor skills. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of some very early environmental variables (delivery mode, feeding type during the first 4 months of life) and some biological variables (sex and age in months) on preschool motor skills, considered both globally and specifically. The sample was composed by 43 preschool students aged 5–6 years. The participant's parents completed an ad hoc questionnaire, reporting on delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age in months. The children's motor skills were assessed using observational methodology in the school setting, while the children participated in their regular motor skills sessions. A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. Results revealed that certain preschool motor skills were specifically influenced by delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age. Children born by vaginal delivery showed higher scores than children born via C-section in throwing (p = 0.000; d = 0.63); total control of objects (p = 0.004; d = 0.97); total gross motor skills (p = 0.005; d = 0.95); and total motor skills (p = 0.002; d = 1.04). Children who were exclusively breastfed outperformed those who were formula-fed in throwing (p = 0.016; d = 0.75); visual-motor integration (p = 0.005; d = 0.94); total control of objects (p = 0.002; d = 1.02); total gross motor skills (p = 0.023; d = 0.82); and total motor skills (p = 0.042; d = 0.74). Boys outperformed girls in throwing (p = 0.041; d = 0.74) and total control of objects (p = 0.024; d = 0.63); while the opposite occurred in static balance (p = 0.000; d = 1.2); visual-motor coordination (p = 0.020; d = 0.79); and total fine motor skills (p = 0.032; d = 0.72). Older children (aged 69–74 months) obtained higher scores than younger ones (aged 63–68 months) in dynamic balance (p = 0.030; d = 0.66); visual-motor integration (p = 0.034; d = 0.63); and total balance (p = 0.013; d = 0.75). Implications for early childhood care and education are discussed since this is a critical period for motor skill development and learning.

The SF-36 is a valid and useful instrument for evaluating HRQOL in patients diagnosed with SCA. Presence of a carer seems to be a determinant of self-perceived quality of life in these patients.

IntroductionScientific literature contains mainly systematic reviews focused on substantial aspects, but there are also approaches that have combined both substantial and methodological aspects, which is our preferred option since it undeniably adds value. The aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a systematic review of the literatura on T-Pattern analysis (TPA), and (2) to explore the possible contribution of mixed methods research to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements on a synthesis level.MethodsBased on PRISMA guidelines, searches were carried out in the Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The general search syntax was: “THEME” AND (“T-Patterns” OR “T Patterns”) carried out in title, keywords and abstract. In addition, we included empirical articles on THEME and T-Patterns collected in other sources based on citations in several empirical works and consultations with different authors. This selection process resulted in 125 primary documents making up this systematic review.ResultsThe results showed that the detection of structures in behavior patterns forms a nexus between studies carried out in very diverse fields and contexts. Most studies are observational, whilst the applicability and power of T-Pattern detection are extraordinary. It allows the researcher to go deeper in a robust analysis that responds to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements which constitutes the leit motive of mixed methods; and also to discover the deep, hidden structure that underlies the respective databases, regardless of the methodology used in each study. The possibilities in assigning parameters notably increase the options for obtaining results and their interpretation.DiscussionIt is relevant the extraordinary strength and applicability of T-pattern detection. There is a high presence of T-pattern detection and analysis in studies using observational methodology. It is necessary commit to consolidating the methodological analysis of selected works, as taking individual and collective responsibility for improving methodological quality of TPA studies, taking advantage of the resources provided by the THEME program.

The SF-36 health survey has been confirmed as a valid and useful tool for evaluating HRQOL in ALS patients, and it discriminates between patients in different states of health according to their level of dependency.