To Find Correlation of Visual Perception with Handwriting in Mainstream School Children Aged 10-12 Years in Mumbai

Visual perception is the process by which the brain organizes and extracts information. Handwriting is one of the basic tasks of the elementary grades in all school systems. It is believed that visual motor integration and visual perceptual skills are dependent on each other. There are numerous studies that suggest a correlation between visual motor integration and handwriting, but there is scarcity of evidence in the literature showing exclusive role of visual perception on handwriting. In this cross-sectional study, we aim to find the correlation of visual perception with handwriting. A total of 302 mainstream school going children (both male, female aged 10-12 years) were enrolled in the study using convenient sampling. Children were assessed using Motor Free Visual Perception Test-4 ed. (MVPT-4) and Evaluation Tool for Children’s Handwriting. (ETCH). Following the completion of the assessment, Kruskal-Walli’s test was used to analyze and derive the results. The p value obtained through the comparisons of MVPT percentile scores with handwriting legibility (word, number, letter) were all significant. It was observed that with increase in MVPT percentile score the median score of ETCH also increases. Hence, the study concluded that there is a correlation of visual perception with handwriting legibility. This indicates that visual perception can be considered for assessment and intervention of handwriting. Key words: Visual perception, mainstream school children, handwriting