Motor Skills as Predictors of Intellectual ability of Pupils with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

This paper presents results on a study which used the Gross Motor Function Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-E & R), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and adapted Pictorial Test of Intelligence, Second Edition (PTI-2) to assess the gross motor skills, fine motor skills and intellectual ability of pupils with cerebral palsy. Additionally, the potential relationship between motor skills and intellectual ability of pupils with cerebral palsy were explored. One hundred and thirty-three pupils with cerebral palsy (79 males; 54 females) completed the study. Theresults revealed that majority of pupils with cerebral palsy function at the higher levels of the GMFCS-E & R and MACS (levels I/II). Applying a linear regression model, both gross and fine motor skills statistically significantly predicted intellectual ability of pupils with cerebral palsy. While the relation between motor skills and intellectual ability of persons with cerebral palsy has typically been viewed from the perspective of gross motor skills, it may be useful to emphasize fine motor activities as well.