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.
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
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