We propose to develop and test a computer-based instrument for measuring the handwriting and drawing of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The instrument consists of a digitizer which can continuously sample pen position and pen pressure as a subject writes on paper and a microcomputer for recording data from the digitizer. In Phase I we will measure the subjects' handwriting and drawing. The study is designed to establish feasibility, measure medication effects, and to compare the sensitivity of six parameters derived from the motoric data. We will test 20 children, ages 8 to 10 years, who have been diagnosed with ADHD and 20 normal controls matched in age and sex. Subjects will be tested when unmedicated and when medicated with their usual and standard dose of methylphenidate.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43HD028569-01A2
Application #
2201180
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-HUD-1 (02))
Project Start
1993-09-03
Project End
1994-05-31
Budget Start
1993-09-03
Budget End
1994-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Meeks Associates, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Lincoln
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01773