In 1999 the education authorities of the Czech Republic recorded 20 % children who could not start school because of unpreparedness of the hand and speech difficulties. In Ostrava this pertained to 700 children of 4000 who were supposed to start school. This is why the authors implemented a study of motor abilities in children attending nursery schools, special schools, and as a supplement they evaluated also children from the first class of the elementary school. Tests and subsequent training revealed the contemporary state, possible approaches in diagnosis and physical therapy. The results are submitted and discussed.

        Key words: hand, impaired skills, treatment