NCT05905523 · Virginia Commonwealth University
Testing of Online Version of QAPS
What this study is about
Early evaluation of prewriting skills is important, as prewriting skills set the stage for later learning of the fine motor and visual motor skills needed for writing. Evaluation of prewriting skills allows for the identification of those children who struggle with these tasks so that early intervention might address these foundational skills before academic demands become more challenging.
View original scientific description
Early evaluation of prewriting skills is important, as prewriting skills set the stage for later learning of the fine motor and visual motor skills needed for writing. Evaluation of prewriting skills allows for the identification of those children who struggle with these tasks so that early intervention might address these foundational skills before academic demands become more challenging. However, current prewriting skill assessments are limited to pencil-and-paper assessments that require an evaluator to score the drawn shapes. Manual scoring is time consuming, can be subjective, and limit the ability to capture subtle changes in performance. We have developed an assessment on a tablet to assess prewriting skills in children. The preliminary testing of the assessment is published in a paper (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35417278/). We are now working on developing an online version of the assessment that will allow offsite data collection and will automate the analysis on the website so that the results can be automatically generated for the clinician or educator who wants to use this with the children they work with.
Interventions
OTHER
Assessing prewriting skills in children
In this study, your child will be asked to do the following things: 1. Play a drawing game on a tablet 2. Copy shapes using a pencil in a paper booklet 3. Write some letters and cut paper with scissors You will complete surveys and answer questions about your child's development
Primary outcome measures
Online QAPS
Time frame: 5-10 minutes
Children will be asked to draw shapes on a touch-screen tablet, where the top half of the screen will show the shapes that they needed to draw, and the bottom of half of the screen will show a space for them to copy the shape. There are 10 shapes for the children to copy. This assessment takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Beery VMI
Time frame: 5-10 minutes
This is a pencil-paper visual motor assessment where children are asked to copy the shapes of increasing difficulty. There are 24 shapes in this assessment and the assessment is continued until the child cannot copy 3 consecutive shapes. This assessment takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Functional hand tasks
Time frame: 5-10 minutes
We will have the children demonstrate their handwriting and scissors skills. The tasks that the children as asked to complete is listed in the attached documents. This assessment takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Demographics survey
Time frame: 5 minutes
This is a 12 question survey that ask about the child's age, grade level, sex, race, caregiver education level, household income, state of residency, etc. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Emotionality Assessment
Time frame: 5 minutes
This is a 5 question survey that asks the caregiver to rate the child's ability to regulate emotions. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Strengths & difficulties Questionnaire Inattention/Hyperactivity subscale
Time frame: 5 minutes
This is a 5 question survey that asks the caregiver to rate the child's attentional behavior. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Ego Resiliency Scale
Time frame: 5 minutes
This is a 11 question survey that asks the caregiver to rate the child's ability to adapt to change. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Children between 3 to 7 years old
Exclusion criteria
- Children unable to follow directions to attempt copying shapes.
Where
- Richmond, Virginia
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations