Topographical working memory in children with cerebral palsy
Forty children with cerebral palsy (CP) and 120
typical developing children (TD) performed a topographic
working memory (WalCT) test requiring to move their body in
a walked vista-space and a visuo-spatial test (CBT) requiring
just reaching movements. WalCT score was significantly higher
in GMFCS II/III than in TD. CBT score was significantly
lower in GMFCS I than in III/IV but lower than TD in all CP
groups. Similar results in WalCT between GMFCS I and TD
and GMFCS II and III/IV respectively indicate that mobility is
associated with topographic working memory. Differently in
CBT, the absence of bodily movement allows using different
cognitive strategies. Children should be provided with opportunities
and active participation to enhancing spatial awareness
and navigational skills.