MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR OF HYPERACTIVE-CHILDREN - A QUALITATIVE-ANALYSIS

Two studies investigated differences in qualitative movement features between hyperactive and comparison boys and decrements in these features when the hyperactive boys were medicated in contrast to when they were given placebo. The qualitative features were quick, strong, intense, and unexpected transition. These movement features were rated from videotapes of a board game for 44 hyperactive and 63 comparison boys in the two studies. Each boy played the game twice with a week between occasions, and a medication-placebo crossover design was in effect within the hyperactive group. Relationships were also assessed between a standard measure of hyperactivity, the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire, and the qualitative features. Hyperactive children showed a greater incidence of strength, intensity, and unexpected transitions, and there was a consistent medication decrement in unexpected transitions. Finally, there were moderate correlations between ratings on the hyperactivity scale and each of the qualitative features.