Publications by authors named "Vanda G Goncalves"
Background: many clinicians and researchers in Brazil consider the Neurological Developmental Exam (NDE), a valid and reliable assessment for Brazilian school-aged children. However, since its inception, several tests have emerged that, according to some researchers, provide more in-depth evaluation of motor ability and go beyond the detection of general motor status (soft neurological signs).
Objectives: to highlight the limitations of the NDE as a motor skill assessment for first graders.
Background: The aim of the present study was to test the notion that Brazilian children entering private school have a motor function advantage over those entering their first year in public school.
Methods: Four hundred and two children from the two cultural settings were examined for motor function in the first and 10th month of school (first grade). Participants were assessed based on age-level standards and by total score for all items for children 3 to 7 years of age.