Perceptual-motor function

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Table of contents

1. Free time

Keywords

1. Perceptual-motor functions

Did you know?
Perceptual-motor functions can be affected in preclinical phases of dementia!​

Perceptual-motor functions can be considered a range of abilities necessary in daily activities. They include interaction of voluntary movements and perception, eye-hand coordination (important for example in drawing), ability to recognise the meaning of some movements (for example, saying ‘Hello’ with hands) and awareness of perception (for example, face recognition)[1].

If you are a person living with dementia you may lose these abilities. You may forget the sequences necessary to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, and preparing coffee.

A way to train your perceptual-motor functions is the well-known board “Labyrinth”. The game is aimed to move the ball to reach targets, using the shortest possible route through the Labyrinth.

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[1] Edition, F. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Am Psychiatric Assoc, 21, 591-643.

And you, how do you train your Perceptual-motor abilities? Discuss it with the community members​

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Did you know?
Perceptual-motor functions can be affected in preclinical phases of dementia!​

Motor disorders are usually considered specific symptoms of some forms of illnesses such as Parkinson. The latest scientific studies show that some movement difficulties are also present in preclinical phases of some forms of dementia (whose most prototypical symptoms are cognitive, as in the case of Alzheimer's).

Specifically, while the first compromised cognitive functions are orientation, memory and praxis, the motor functions most affected are muscle tone and dynamic coordination .



What are perceptual-motor functions?

The perceptual-motor functions include a range of abilities necessary in daily activities: the abilities involving the interaction of voluntary movements and perception, the eye-hand coordination which is important for example in drawing or playing ball games, but also the ability to recognize the meaning of some movements or doing them (e.g. say ‘Hello’ with hands) and the awareness of perception (e.g. face recognition).

Each activity requires specific sequences of gestures for achieving a goal in relation to the external space. People living with dementia may lose this ability. They may forget the sequences necessary to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, washing, and preparing coffee. They can also be unable to remember how to use an object. Sometimes a task can be left unfinished or an initial help may be needed to perform actions correctly.
A sedentary lifestyle accelerates physical decline, hence the importance of an active lifestyle and physical activity. They have positive effects not only on physical health but also on cognition. For example, gradual decline in hand motor function is related to a reduction in the ability to perform functional daily activities such as moving objects, getting dressed, eating and writing, and may hence affect quality of life.

Here you can find some advice on apps and games through which you can train perceptual and motor functions!


Apps

	In this app there are several types of games that work on perceptual-motor functions: repeat symmetrical patterns, locate an objective number within a numerical range, identification of 3D figures, to stop moving elements, puzzles, estimation of perimeter and countour lenghts . Progressive levels of difficulties are present. (iOS and Android)
	This app works on coordination and aims to stimulate the hand-eye movement ability. In particular you can find games about: bimanual coordination of elements, selection of correct items, solve mazes using the gyroscope, decide between right or left side, avoid colliding with pieces, make series of numbers avoiding objects. Progressive levels of difficulties are present. (iOS and Android)
Board tables
	Labyrinth: this is a easy game in which you train visual-motor skills by moving the maze to make the ball move along the path. You may coordinate vision and hands movements to reach the goal.
	Cortex: in this game there is a specific challenge where you have to recognize the object of a card by touching it. Tactile recognition is required and stimulated.
	Pluzzle: making puzzle you work on visual-spatial ability and fine hands motions.
Other play:
	Any game that requires the use of the ball stimulates perceptual-motor skills, as coordination eyes-hands.

Recommendation
No one knows better than you what time and level of game is perfect for you, so remember to stop before you experience or sense any tiredness or boredom in your family member! Playing is a time of pleasure, dedicated to mental training while feeling good and comfortable.

And you, how do you train your Perceptual-motor abilities? Discuss it with the community members

References

Edition, F. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Am Psychiatric Assoc, 21, 591-643.
Moro V, Facci E, Amato S, Stefanescu G, Gobbetto V, Fontana G, di Francesco V, Gambina G. I disturbi motori nella demenza: uno strumento per la diagnosi e l'intervento precoci. Boll Epidemiol Naz 2020; 1(2):22-31.

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