Motor cognitive processing speed estimation among the primary schoolchildren by deriving prediction formula: A...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurodevelopment
• Cognitive Psychology
• Motor Skill Assessment

Background:

• Motor cognitive processing speed (MCPS) is crucial for function and performance but underutilized clinically.
• Lack of convenient methods hinders MCPS assessment in children.
• This study addresses the need for a practical MCPS estimation tool for primary schoolchildren.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate motor cognitive processing speed (MCPS) in primary schoolchildren.
• To develop a convenient formula for MCPS assessment in children.
• To establish the predictability of age on MCPS in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 204 primary schoolchildren (aged 6-12 years).
• Motor cognitive processing speed (MCPS) measured using the ruler drop method (RDM).
• Multiple regression analysis used to derive a predictive equation for MCPS.

Main Results:

• The mean MCPS was 230.01 ms ± 26.5 ms.
• A regression equation was derived: MCPS (ms) = 279.625 - 5.495 × age.
• The equation demonstrated 41.3% predictability (R=0.413) and 17.1% variability (R²=0.171).

Conclusions:

• A practical formula for predicting motor cognitive processing speed (MCPS) in primary schoolchildren using the ruler drop method (RDM) has been established.
• This formula can aid in identifying children with slowed processing speeds.
• The findings support the use of RDM for accessible MCPS assessment in pediatric populations.