Motor Activities for Dyslexia
(BLASTOFF Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether daily motor activities, such as fitness and coordination exercises, can improve reading and overall performance for children at Odyssey Academy. Students will either engage in these motor activities or continue their usual routine of reading for 20 minutes a day. The trial aims to determine if the exercises lead to better academic and cognitive outcomes. Children in kindergarten through fourth grade who are below grade level in reading and part of Odyssey Academy's reading program are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for students to potentially enhance their reading skills and academic performance through innovative exercises.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these motor activities are safe for children?
Research shows that physical activities are generally safe for children. However, specific information about the safety of the motor lab activities being studied for dyslexia is limited. These activities resemble regular gym class exercises and focus on fitness and motor skills.
Studies on physical activity for enhancing children's thinking skills have not reported any clear negative effects. Children usually tolerate physical activities well, as they are a normal part of growing up. This study is in a phase called "Not Applicable," indicating that the activities are expected to be as safe as those typically done at school.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Motor Lab activity for dyslexia because it introduces a novel approach by incorporating physical movement into the learning process. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily focus on reading exercises, the Motor Lab intervention blends motor skills with cognitive tasks. This unique combination could potentially enhance neurological pathways related to reading, offering a fresh avenue for helping those with dyslexia. By engaging the body and mind simultaneously, this technique might improve reading skills more effectively than standard practices alone.
What evidence suggests that motor lab activities could be effective for dyslexia?
Research shows that activities involving movement can help children with dyslexia improve their skills. In this trial, participants in the Motor Lab group will receive 20 minutes of motor lab intervention daily. Studies suggest that combining thinking and movement exercises can enhance reading and writing abilities in these children. One study found that activities focused on movement significantly improved both movement skills and overall performance. Another study showed that programs combining visual and movement skills led to better results for students with dyslexia. These findings suggest that movement-based activities may help children improve both their physical and academic abilities.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Karen Ratcliff, PhD
Principal Investigator
UTMB
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children in kindergarten through fourth grade at Odyssey Academy who are below grade level in reading and enrolled in the school's specialized reading program. It excludes those not in the program, non-English conversationalists, or unwilling to participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in daily motor lab activities to improve motor skills and academic performance
Standard of Care
Control group receives standard care with 20 minutes of reading per day
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in executive function, motor skills, and academic performance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Motor lab activity
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Lead Sponsor