From Early Motor Ability to Global Cognitive Development 7 Years after Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke

The developmental condition of children after neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) is characterized by cognitive and motor impairments. We hypothesized that independent walking age would be a predictor of later global cognitive functioning in this population. Sixty-one children with an available independent walking age and full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) score 7 years after NAIS were included in this study. Full-scale IQ was assessed using the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). Independent walking age was negatively correlated with full-scale IQ score at 7 years of age (Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.27; 95% confidence interval from -0.48 to -0.01; p < 0.05). Early motor function is correlated with later global cognitive functioning in children after NAIS. Assessing and promoting early motor ability is essential in this population.