Slow and normal speed handwriters responded to handwriting demands through different perceptual-motor systems. Whereas upper-limb speed and dexterity seems to play an important role in normal speed handwriters, slow handwriters seem to rely more on visually directed processes, including sequence memory and visual-motor integration.

AimTo examine the effects of a nurse-led case management programme for hospital-discharged older adults with co-morbidities.BackgroundThe most significant chronic conditions today involve diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and renal systems. Previous studies have suggested that a nurse-led case management approach using either telephone follow-ups or home visits was able to improve clinical and patient outcomes for patients having a single, chronic disease, while the effects for older patients having at least two long-term conditions are unknown. A self-help programme using motivation and empowerment approaches is the framework of care in the study.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodThe study was conducted from 2010–2012. Older patients having at least two chronic diseases were included for analysis. The participants were randomized into three arms: two study groups and one control group. Data were collected at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks later.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty-one patients completed the study. The interventions demonstrated significant differences in hospital readmission rates within 84 days post discharge. The two intervention groups had lower readmission rates than the control group. Patients in the two study arms had significantly better self-rated health and self-efficacy. There was significant difference between the groups in the physical composite score, but no significant difference in mental component score in SF-36 scale.ConclusionThe postdischarge interventions led by the nurse case managers on self-management of disease using the empowerment approach were able to provide effective clinical and patient outcomes for older patients having co-morbidities.

These findings highlight the need to ensure that norms for all tests are appropriate for the specific cultural groups being assessed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor performance, attention deficit, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity in children with attention-deficit--hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 42 school-aged children with ADHD (36 males, 6 females; mean age 8 years 2 months, SD 1 year 2 months; range 6 years to 11 years), and 42 age- and sex-matched children without ADHD (mean age 8 years 3 months, SD 1 year 1 month; range 6 years to 11 years). Motor abilities were assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Attention and impulse control were measured with the Gordon Diagnostic System, and assessment of activity level was based on two Activity Level Rating Scales that were completed by parents and teachers. Analysis by t-test revealed a significant difference between children with and without ADHD in fine and gross motor skills, impulse control, and attention. Stepwise regression indicated that attention, impulse control, and parent ratings of activity level were the three best predictors of gross motor skills for children with ADHD, accounting for 55.9% of the variance. Attention and impulse control were the two best predictors of fine motor skills, accounting for 45.7% of the variance. Attention and impulse control were consistently found to be important predictors of both fine and gross motor skills in children with ADHD. However, the fact that activity level was a predictor for gross motor proficiency but not for fine motor tasks suggests that different behavioral processes are involved in fine and gross motor performance to different extents.

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