A STUDY ON UPPER LIMB STRENGTHENING EXERCISES ON HAND WRITING SPEED AMONG SCHOOL GOING STUDENTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:
Handwriting remains a critical skill for academic achievement and daily communication, especially among school-aged children. Handwriting speed, an essential component of writing efficiency, can be influenced by various physical and neurological factors. Among these, upper limb strength has emerged as a potentially significant contributor. Poor handwriting speed may lead to reduced academic performance and self-esteem in students.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of upper limb strengthening exercises on handwriting speed among school-going students.
Methodology:
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was adopted for the study. A total of 56 right-handed school-going students aged 14–18 years were selected through random sampling. The participants underwent pre- and post-testing using a standardized Word Per Minute (WPM) test and hand dynamometer to assess handwriting speed and grip strength, respectively. The intervention group participated in a structured upper limb strengthening exercise program. The study was conducted at B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan, Kanpur, and ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee of CSJM University.
Results:
In this study, a total of 56 participants were included, with a mean age of 15.12 ± 1.41 years. The average height of the participants was 161.96 ± 6.6 cm, and the mean weight was 54.6 ± 8.12 kg. These values suggest that the study sample represented a relatively homogeneous group of adolescents in terms of age, height, and weight.
Conclusion:
Upper limb strengthening exercises may serve as an effective intervention to enhance handwriting speed in school-going students. This can contribute to better academic performance, improved motor coordination, and greater writing efficiency.
Keywords: Upper limb strengthening, handwriting speed, grip strength, school children, randomized controlled trial.