19 March 2004

Children aged nine or 10 with coordination difficulties during everyday skills such as writing; bat and ball play; hopping and running; or riding a bike are needed for a University of Queensland study.

The School of Physiotherapy study will investigate why some children experience difficulties with coordination development. Such difficulties can affect their school performance, play and self-care.

According to honours student Louise Mitchell, the study will examine whether difficulties with motor skills are related to underlying differences in muscle control during arm movements.

As part of participation in the study, children will need to attend the Physiotherapy Department for one session. Parents will have access to developmental assessment results.

For more information or to participate, please contact Ms Mitchell (office telephone 07 3346 9139; mobile 0418 723 430; or email s4012342@student.uq.edu.au).

Media contact: Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications.