The influence of juggling on mental rotation performance in children with spina bifida

This study examined the influence of juggling training on mental rotation ability in children with spina bifida. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 solved a chronometric mental rotation test. Half of the children received juggling training (EG) over an 8 week time period; the other half did not receive training (CG). Afterwards, all participants completed the mental rotation test again. Children of the EG showed a significant decrease in reaction time and an increase in mental rotation speed compared to the control group. This indicates that juggling improves the rotation in the mental rotation process in children with spina bifida.

► Influence of juggling on mental rotation in spina bifida children was investigated.
► Reaction time gain after training was greater for intervention group.
► Mental rotation speed decreased in EG, but increased in CG.
► Children with spina bifida benefit from juggling regarding mental rotation.