Handwriting Skills in First-Grade Students: Socioeconomic Status and the Direct and Mediating Roles of Sensory-Motor Parameters

Abstract

AimsHandwriting is crucial for academic success, influenced by sensorimotor and socioeconomic factors. Therapists, in collaboration with educators, play a key role in its support. The first objective is to investigate the association between SES and handwriting skills and to identify related factors associated with SES. The second objective is to investigate the direct and mediating roles of sensory-motor parameters in handwriting skills.MethodsSixty-three children were divided into High-SES and Low-SES groups based on family income and parental education level. Handwriting skill was evaluated based on legibility and speed. Proprioception, grip strength, lateral pinch strength, and tip pinch strength were assessed.ResultsThe High-SES group demonstrated significantly faster handwriting speed and better proprioception, while motor parameters showed no significant differences between groups. Proprioception was found to mediate 15% of the association between SES and handwriting speed. Proprioception and lateral grip strength predicted faster handwriting speed, while grip strength predicted slower handwriting across participants.ConclusionStudy results indicate that improving proprioception is one of the key factors in supporting handwriting performance in students with low SES. Activities aimed at enhancing proprioception and lateral grip strength can be used to improve handwriting in all children, regardless of SES differences.