Performance of School-Age Children With Sensory Processing Challenges and Typical Peers on the Motor Planning Maze Assessment

Children with sensory processing and integration (SI) challenges frequently present with praxis difficulties that are routinely treated by OTs using Ayres Sensory Integration approach. However, no fast, standardized screening is available to identify motor planning problems. Assessment of praxis using current standardized measures can be time consuming which limits evaluation of this function in some practice areas (e.g. schools). The Motor Planning Maze Assessment (MPMA), a 5-minute screening tool which consists of three mazes: a rectangle, a splat, and a bilateral maze scored on presence of 4 possible errors per maze and time to complete, was developed to meet this need. Ivey, Lane & May-Benson (2014) found an age trend but no gender differences on the MPMA in typical preschoolers 0-3 years. Hsu et al (2018) found the MPMA discriminated school-aged children with developmental coordination disorder from typical peers. This study expanded previous research by examining age and gender trends in children 5–12 years of age and determining if the MPMA discriminates children with SI concerns from typical peers. This descriptive study included 41 typical children (22 m, 19 f, M = 8.6 yrs) and 33 with SI (26 m, 7 f, M = 7.8 yrs) 5-12 years of age. The SI group was identified based on a comprehensive sensory integration assessment and all received services at a private occupational therapy clinic. Typical peers were recruited as a sample of convenience with no known learning or sensory challenges. Informed consent and child assent were obtained. Testing was completed by 10 OT students trained and reliable [ICC(2,5) = .88] in administering and scoring the MPMA. High scores on the MPMA indicate more dysfunction. ANOCOVA of gender, age and diagnosis for MPMA Total Score found no age or gender differences. MPMA Total Score (F(1,70) = 13.2, p = .001) significantly discriminated between groups. MANCOVA of Maze Subscores, gender, age and group found all Maze Subscores non-significant for age and gender. The Splat F(1,70) = 8.8, p = .004 and Bilateral F(1,70) = 26.2, p < .001 Maze Subscores significantly discriminated between groups. MANCOVA for age, gender, group, Time and Error Subscores by maze was significant for group on Error Score for all mazes; Rectangle (F(1,70) = 6.4, p = .014; Bilateral (F(1,70) = 12.2, p = .001; Splat F(1,70) = 12.2, p = .001. Splat Time Score was significant for group (F(1,70) = 26.1, p < .001) and Bilateral Time Score [F(1,70) = 3.9, p = .051) approached significance. On average, typical children 5 years and older had near perfect Total Scores regardless of age or gender. Inability to complete the Rectangle maze at any age and high Total MPMA scores indicated motor planning challenges. High Total MPMA score and high error scores across mazes identified praxis challenges in the SI group. Splat and Bilateral Maze Time scores are longer in the SI group. With previous research, results support use of the MPMA as a quick, valid and reliable screening for motor planning for children 3 to 12 years. Additional standardization and age norms for typical children are needed. This measure provides therapists with a needed assessment tool that can be easily used across practice settings to screen for motor planning challenges. The ability to screen for praxis difficulties allows therapists to better identify sensory integration challenges which may underlie children’s occupational performance.

References

Ivey, C. K., Lane, S. J., & May-Benson, T. A. (2014). Interrater reliability and developmental norms in preschoolers for the Motor Planning Maze Assessment (MPMA). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(5), 539-545.

Hsu, L. Y., Jirikowic, T., Ciol, M. A., Clark, M., Kartin, D., & McCoy, S. W. (2018). Motor Planning and Gait Coordination Assessments for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics, 38(5), 562-574.