Analysis of Kavale and Mattson's “Balance Beam” Study (1983): Criteria for Selection of Articles

Abstract

The effects of perceptual motor training in children with learning disabilities have been hotly debated for many years. Proponents have included many of the pioneers in the fields of learning disabilities and motor development. Among the challenges perhaps the most sophisticated one has been the meta-analysis by Kavale and Mattson. Their conclusion was that perceptual motor training was not an effective intervention for children with disabilities. The purpose of this project was to analyze critically the Kavale and Mattson meta-analysis from the perspective of an adapted physical educator and to consider the validity of this meta-analysis when examining multiple interventions dealing with a multitude of disabilities. A critical analysis of all 180 studies question their conclusions.

Brain Gym®

“…It appears that this advice would also apply to educators. For example, Nolan (2004) stated that Doman-Delacato's repatterning was still considered valid, and Reynolds, Nicolson, and Hambly (2003) wrote an article touting the academic benefits of a perceptual-motor training that included using a balance board, throwing and catching bean bags, and stretching activities as treatments for reading difficulties. They did not provide specifics of the training, because it was considered "commercially sensitive" (Reynolds et al, 2003, p. 55).…”