80 percent of children experience pain or discomfort when handwriting 
(02/09/2010)
New research by STABILO has shown that a significant proportion of pupils and students across Europe experience pain in their hand whilst writing.
The study found that almost 80 per cent of children spoke of discomfort, cramping or even pain in their hand when handwriting. The research analysed the responses of 637 pupils and students aged 10 to 29 years who took part across Germany, France and Great Britain.
38 per cent of those who took part in the survey stated that they experienced pain when writing ‘at times’, 12 per cent admitted that the pain was experienced ‘often’, whilst 4 per cent agreed that the pain was experienced ‘regularly’.
Caroline Buggins, marketing manager at STABILO UK comments: “Learning to write can be very hard work for many children. In terms of motor skills it is a very demanding process and as a result tense writing posture, cramped hands, and inaccurate or illegible writing are issues well known by students, parents and teachers.”
Caroline continues: “This research highlights the importance of helping children to learn to write comfortably. With writing habits and patterns set in the early years of a child’s academic journey and the act of writing so closely linked to literacy, tailored handwriting activities and writing tools that are designed to alleviate discomfort and encourage optimum grip are in demand more than ever before. This is why STABILO has developed an ergonomic stationery range in collaboration with teachers, parents, children and scientists called the EASYergonomics Experts.”
Angela Webb, Chair of The National Handwriting Association comments: “A critical aspect of handwriting is being able to write quickly. Pupils have to be able to produce enough work to give full range to their ideas. Those who experience pain or strain when handwriting are less likely to be able to write fast enough and for long enough to express themselves fully on paper, and grades (and self-esteem) can suffer.”
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