The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

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ArticleTitle	The Developmental study of Qualitative scores of the Boston Qualitative Scoring System for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure
Language	J
AuthorList	Kousuke Nakano¹⁾, Tatsuya Ogino²⁾, Makio Oka³⁾, Yoko Ohtsuka⁴⁾
Affiliation	¹⁾Department of Pediatrics, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital ²⁾Department of Children Studies, Faculty of Children, Studies, Chugokugakuen University ³⁾Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital ⁴⁾Asahigawasou Rehabilitation and Medical Center
Publication	Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 30 (1), 69-80, 2014
Received	May 20, 2013
Accepted	Sep 24, 2013
Abstract	Objective: The Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS) for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is a scoring system that provides several clear Qualitative measures by assessing drawing strategies and visuoconstructional ability. We believe the BQSS is useful in children and we sought to elucidate developmental changes in BQSS Qualitative scores. Subjects and Methods: The subjects were 100 healthy children (60 boys and 40 girls) aged 6-16 (average: 9.7±2.4). The ROCF was administered and graded using the BQSS. The subjects were classified in four age groups (figures in years): 1) 6 or 7; 2) 8 or 9; 3) 10 or 11; and 4) 12 years or older. We evaluated differences of 16 Qualitative scores among these groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for intergroup comparison and Mann-Whitney test with the Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Results: There were significant differences between the groups in 11 of the 16 categories. The categories with significant differences were as follows: Configural Presence, Configural Accuracy, Cluster Presence, Cluster Accuracy, Cluster Placement, Detail Presence, Detail Placement, Fragmentation, Planning, Neatness, and Perseveration. Seven of these increased clearly during lower age-ranges. In four of these, there were significant differences between 6/7-year-olds and 8/9-year-olds. In the other three, there were significant differences between 6/7-year-olds and 10/11-year-olds. In five others (Vertical Expansion, Horizontal Expansion, Reduction, Rotation and Confabulation) there were no significant differences. In the score categories that did not show changes with age, a "ceiling effect" was observed: scores reached a plateau at the ages of 6 or 7. Discussion: Since BQSS Qualitative scores show definite developmental patterns, the analysis of BQSS Qualitative scores is useful in performing a multidimensional assessment of children's cognitive functions. Furthermore, the BQSS is a promising tool for the clinical assessment of brain functions of children with neurological diseases and developmental disabilities.
Keywords	Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, the Boston Qualitative Scoring System, Qualitative Score, developmental changes, cognitive assessment