Fine Motor Control is Related to Cognitive Control in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Abstract

The connection between human cognitive development and motor functioning has been systematically examined in many typical and atypical populations; however, only a few studies focus on people with Down syndrome (DS). Twelve adolescents with DS participated and their cognitive control, measured by the Corsi-Block tapping test (e.g., visual working memory), the Auditory Memory span test (e.g., verbal working memory) and the Tower of London test (e.g., cognitive planning), and motor control, measured by the Purdue Pegboard (e.g., fine motor control), were measured in this study. Results indicate that if people with DS have better performance in fine manual dexterity, they will have better performance in cognitive planning and verbal working memory abilities. The co-activation hypothesis of the prefrontal area and the cerebellum may support this positive relationship. Hence, it is suggested people with DS will obtain benefits in cognitive control by participating in further motor intervention.

Keywords:

• cognition
• cognitive planning
• Down syndrome
• executive functioning
• manual dexterity
• motor control
• problem-solving ability
• working memory

Acknowledgements

The findings reported are based on research conducted by the College of Nursing & Health Innovation small grants programme of Arizona State University and no restrictions have been imposed on free access to, or publication of, the research data. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Arizona State University, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organisations. Opinions reflect those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the funding agency. The authors had no financial or other conflicts of interest.