Article

Research suggests important links between motor coordination and executive
functions. The current study examined whether motor coordination predicts working
memory, inhibition, and switching performance, extending previous research by
accounting for attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology and
other confounding factors, in
an adolescent normative sample. METHOD: Ninety-three adolescents (38 females, 55 males) aged 12 to 16 years (mean age 4y
2mo, SD 1y 1mo) were assessed on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2
(MABC-2), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV, N-back task, the
inhibition subtest from the NEPSY-II: A Developmental Neuropsychological
Assessment, second edition, and the parent-rated Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD
Symptoms and Normal Behaviour Questionnaire. RESULTS:
The MABC-2 total score
accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in visuospatial working
memory (p=0.041) but not for verbal working memory. The MABC-2 aiming and
catching component, however, was found to account for unique variance in both
verbal (p=0.019) and visuospatial working memory
(p=0.016). The MABC-2 total
score was found to account for a significant proportion of the variance in
inhibition total completion time (p=0.017). Finally, balance skills accounted for
unique variance in a NEPSY-II inhibition total errors variable
(p=0.020).
INTERPRETATION: The results provide support for an overlap between motor
coordination and executive functions, which has important practical implications.
The study also suggests shared mechanisms underpinning the relationship between
these areas, including possible cerebellar involvement.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2012 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS