Neuromotor maturation and psychological performance: a developmental study.

TitleNeuromotor maturation and psychological performance: a developmental study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1985
AuthorsWolff, PH, Gunnoe, C, Cohen, C
JournalDev Med Child Neurol
Volume27
Issue3
Pagination344-54
Date Published1985 Jun
ISSN0012-1622
KeywordsAchievement, Child, Child Development, Child, Preschool, Cognition, Female, Humans, Intelligence, Male, Motor Skills, Postural Balance, Psychomotor Performance, Reference Values
Abstract

Groups of 50 normal kindergarten and 50 first-grade children were examined three times at six-month intervals on the extended neuromotor examination for children, as well as on measures of reading achievement and language performance. The joint effect of five neuromotor measures accounted for a substantial percentage of variance in reading achievement and language performance 12 months later. As a global measure, neuromotor status therefore may constitute a reliable, independent criterion of developmental age for psychological investigations of young, normal children. The best individual predictors of psychological outcome were mirror movements and speed of timed motor repetitions, while reading achievement and automated naming speed were the dependent measures most closely associated over time with neuromotor status. Such findings suggest that the individual motor signs may also provide indirect clues about the presumed functional relationship between development of motor co-ordination and language competence.

Alternate JournalDev Med Child Neurol
PubMed ID4018429
Grant ListHD-06276 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States