Synchronization, anticipation, and consistency in motor timing of children with dimensionally defined attention deficit hyperactivity behaviour

Author(s): Taylor, A., Taylor, E., Sergeant, J. A.

Journal/Book: Percept Mot Skills. 1999; 89: PO Box 9229, Missoula, MT 59807, USA. Perceptual Motor Skills. 1237-1258.

Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that children with hyperactive behaviour are impaired in the temporal organization of their motor output. The performance of 11 boys, scoring above a cut-off on standard scales of overactivity and inattention, was compared to that of controls in progressively more complex Motor-timing tasks. The tasks administered required self-paced and externally paced Sensorimotor Synchronization and Sensorimotor Anticipation. Deficits ata perceptual level were investigated with a Time-discrimination task. As hypothesized, we found that hyperactive children had no deficits in their perception of time but were impaired in timing their motor output. Hyperactive children were more inconsistent than controls in maintaining a freely chosen tapping rhythm, in synchronizing and in anticipating their motor response to external visual stimulation.

Note: Review Rubia K, Maudsley Hosp, Inst Psychiat, MRC, Child Psychiat Unit, De Crespigny Pk, London SE5 8AJ, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): TIME-ESTIMATION; SUSTAINED ATTENTION; EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS; INHIBITORY CONTROL; ADHD CHILDREN; SELF-CONTROL; DISORDER; BOYS; PSYCHOPATHOLOGY; IMPULSIVITY

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