Instability of the intelligence quotient-motor quotient relationship

The authors evaluated the stability over one- and two-year periods of the relationship between a cognitive measure (McCarthy General Cognitive Index) and a motor measure (McCarthy Motor Scale) to examine whether the cognitive-motor relationship changed significantly over time and whether children remained in the same service eligibility category, based on the cognitive referencing model. Results indicated substantial changes in the cognitive-motor relationship. Over a two-year period, more than 42 per cent of children changed their cognitive-motor relationship by at least 16 points. Children's eligibility for service, based on the cognitive referencing model, also fluctuated substantially over time. The authors conclude that the cognitive referencing model of triage is not an effective means of determining who should receive physical and occupational therapy services. Alternative methods are suggested.