Relationship of Block Design with Motor Function

Abstract

The definition and measurement of visuospatial abilities (VSA) has been a complex journey since the inception of cognitive, intelligence, and neuropsychological testing. For years, neuropsychologists attempting to measure VSA have often turned to the Block Design (BD) test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), which is a timed measure requiring the participant to use both hands to construct a design out of blocks that matches a picture. The BD test has been a standard inclusion in the assessment of VSA for decades and research suggests a correlation of BD with other visuospatial tests. However, literature also indicates BD is correlated with other cognitive abilities. Moreover, a small but growing body of research has suggested a relationship between BD with various motor functions and the neuroanatomical regions associated with psychomotor functions. Yet, no studies to date have directly assessed the relationship of BD with motor function. This study aimed to better understand this possible relationship between BD and motor function. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted and motor function was found to account for a small, but statistically significant amount of variance in BD performance