TY  - INPR
N1  - Check the alternative location for the final pdf reprint.
ID  - cogprints2349
UR  - http://cogprints.org/2349/
A1  - Ramus, Franck
A1  - Pidgeon, Elizabeth
A1  - Frith, Uta
TI  - The relationship between motor control and phonology in dyslexic children
Y1  - 2002///
N2  - Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the automaticity/cerebellar theory of dyslexia. We tested phonological skills and cerebellar function in a group of dyslexic 8-12 year old children and their matched controls. Tests administered included the Phonological Assessment Battery, postural stability, bead threading, finger to thumb and time estimation. 
Results: Dyslexic children were found to be significantly poorer than the controls at all tasks but time estimation. About 75% of dyslexics were more than one standard deviation below controls in phonological ability, and 50% were similarly impaired in motor skills. However, at least part of the discrepancy in motor skills was due to dyslexic individuals who had additional disorders (ADHD and/or DCD). The absence of evidence for a time estimation deficit also casts doubt on the cerebellar origin of the motor deficiency. About half the dyslexic children didn't have any motor problem, and there was no evidence for a causal relationship between motor skills on the one hand and phonological and reading skills on the other. 
Conclusion: This study provides partial support for the presence of motor problems in dyslexic children, but does not support the hypothesis that a cerebellar dysfunction is the cause of their phonological and reading impairment. 
AV  - public
KW  - dyslexia
KW  -  reading
KW  -  phonology
KW  -  cerebellum
KW  -  automaticity
KW  -  motor control
ER  -

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