A study on cube copying test—the developmental changes and the cognitive function involved in the execution of cube copying task—

Abstract

  In recent years, the use of cube copying test for children has pervaded. However, the age at which it is possible to use cube copying test, and the cognitive function required for their execution are still not clear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the developmental changes, and to examine the cognitive function involved in the execution of cube copying task. A total of 37 participants, including infants, children and students, aged between 5 to 18 years were included in the study. The cube copying test was conducted, and scores were assigned based on the method of Yorimitsu et al (2013) . At the same time, tests to evaluate visual function, stroke ability, visual perception and constructional ability were conducted. The results showed that the scores of the cube copying test increased significantly for children in the 8─ to 9─year age group；a categorical regression analysis showed that constructional ability and stroke ability significantly predicted the score of the cube copying test. Children can carry out cube copying test from the age of approximately 9 years, and performance of the task is concerned with the planning of construction activities and stroke ability.