Performance of a Brazilian population in the EC 301 calculation and number processing battery: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
From a neuropsychological point of view calculation is a very complex function. A simple arithmetic operation demands many neurocognitive mechanisms that involve verbal, spatial and graphical processing, memory and attention.


OBJECTIVE
To verify the calculation and number processing of healthy subjects and the effect of gender, age and schooling on their performance.


METHODS
Forty-four normal subjects without complaints or neurological changes were evaluated.


RESULTS
The educational level was significantly linked to performance in the majority of tests of the EC 301 battery, whereas no differences were noted regarding age and gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of the data of the healthy population shown in this study indicated that educational level can affect calculation and number processing, It is possible to note that battery EC 301 demonstrated sensitivity for appraisal of these abilities and therefore can be employed for clinical assessment in calculation and number disorders.
De Luccia
Gabriela
G
Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. gabideluccia@hotmail.com
Ortiz
Karin Zazo
KZ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001938:Brazil; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult