The relationship between coordination skill and mental rotation ability

Abstract

Motor and mental rotation processes seem to share the same neural mechanism. Within this study we investigated whether there is a relationship not only between motor rotational ability and mental rotation, but also between coordination skill and mental rotation ability. All participants (42 males and 42 females) performed a standardized coordination test, a mental rotation test, and a speed of cognitive processing test. A multiple regression analysis revealed that both gender and coordination skill is a significant predictor for mental rotation performance. The investigation of motor training on mental rotation performance and vice versa in one experimental design is discussed. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.