Independent and peer-reviewed for publication
Evaluation of an Exercise-based Treatment for Children with Reading Difficulties
Date: 2001-2003
Authors: Reynolds D, Hambly H (University of Exeter);Nicolson RI (University of Sheffield)
Journal: Dyslexia 9: pp 48-71 (2003)
Scope:
269 children screened with the Dyslexia Screening Test (DST) across 3 year groups within Balsall Common School, Warwickshire, UK. Of the children screened, 35 who were at moderate or severe dyslexia risk based on the results of the DST were chosen and divided into a two equal groups based on their dyslexia risk level; one treatment group and one control group. The first group underwent the Dore intervention for 6 months; the second group was held as the control. Each child from both groups had an initial DST which was repeated every 6 months. Each child from both groups also had a balance (posturography) and eye movement (OMT) test initially and then at follow-up appointments during the 6 months.
Results:
What is effect size?
- The Dore treated group showed much greater improvements than the control group for manual dexterity (effect size +1.26), balance (effect size +1.13) and eye movement results (effect size +1.3)
- The Dore treated group showed significant improvements in specific DST tests for phonology (effect size +0.24), naming fluency (effect size +0.46) and semantic fluency (effect size +0.75)
- The Dore treated group showed significant improvements in the specific DST reading tests when compared to the control group (effect size 0.35)
- The Dore treated group showed significant improvements in SATs writing (effect size +0.98), reading (effect size +1.14) and comprehension (effect size +1.24) when compared to the control group
- Those children with initially severe dyslexia at risk scores showed substantial reductions in their at risks scores (on average from a moderate risk of 0.74 to a low risk of 0.39)
Full paper
Follow up of an Exercise-Based Treatment for Children with Reading Difficulties
Date: 2003-2006
Authors: Reynolds D (University of Exeter); Nicolson RI (University of Sheffield)
Journal: Dyslexia 13: pp 78-96 (2007)
Scope:
The 35 ‘at risk’ children from the earlier study were combined after 6 months into a single treatment group and both groups completed the Dore Programme. This single study group was then assessed to examine the longer term impact of the Dore Programme when compared to well established national performance levels. The group was then further reassessed 6-12 months after completing the Dore Programme again using national SATs assessments, repeat DST testing and ADHD attention assessments. The group were not informed that they would be reassessed to avoid expectation effects.
Results:
What are deciles?
What is effect size?
- The study showed a continuation of the substantial improvements in the Dore treated group for DST specific tests for semantic fluency (decile 6.97 to 8.52), rapid naming (decile 3.55 to 5.28) and bead threading (decile 5.76- 7.10)
- Significant age adjusted improvements were made in working memory (decile 4.79 to 6.31) and phonological skills (decile 3.93 to 5.55)
- Significant improvements were made in SATs writing and comprehension when compared with national data (improved from a previous progress rate of 0.28 levels per year to 0.48 compared to the average expected progress of 0.5 levels per year)
- Significant age adjusted improvements in NFER reading tests were made (32 months improvement in 24 months compared to a previous improvement of 7 months improvement in 12 months)
- Substantial improvements in ADHD attention skills were made (using the DSM 4 diagnostic questions those with positive ADHD level symptoms reduced their total symptom score from 8.08 positives to 3.08)
- The improvements were similar whether or not there was a previous diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD
Full paper