Sensorimotor coordination in boys with fragile X syndrome

The sensorimotor coordination of 14 boys diagnosed with fragile X syndrome was assessed by standardised motor tests, including the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND) and the Beery Test of Visual‐Motor Integration — Revised. Clinical observations of quality of movement during gross and fine motor activities were made and the sessions videotaped to objectify test results. Subjects ranged in age from 3;11 years to 14;2 years (mean = 8;2 years). According to the MAND assessment, 80% of the children's motor functioning was severely impaired. The children had the most difficulty on motor tasks requiring visual‐motor integration and balance. Their fine motor skills were superior to their gross motor skills (F = 4.57; p < 0.05), and the older boys (>11 years) performed significantly better on tasks of bimanual dexterity. The presence of mild hypotonicity and finger joint hyperextensibility was noted in most subjects (100% among the younger children, 57–86% among those over 11 years). This study is viewed as a preliminary examination of the clinical characteristics of motor proficiency in children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome. Although its results are inconclusive because of the small sample size, the severity of motor skills was consistent throughout the sample, and the superiority of the children's fine motor performance is worthy of note.