Rotation Ability Research Articles

The Effects of Using Web-Based 3D Design Environment on Spatial Visualisation and Mental Rotation Abilities of Secondary School Students

The Effects of Using Web-Based 3D Design Environment on Spatial Visualisation and Mental Rotation Abilities of Secondary School Students

Mental rotation ability and spontaneous brain activity: a magnetoencephalography study.

We performed experiments using magnetoencephalography to clarify the relationship between three-dimensional visuospatial abilities and spontaneous visual thinking characteristics. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the rate of correct answers to mental rotation tasks: those with good performances (Group G) and those with bad performances (Group B). We found the followings: (1) in the mental rotation tasks, the 25-35 Hz lower γ band activities in the superior parietal lobule/intraparietal sulcus regions and in the occipitotemporal region were significantly larger in Group G than in Group B and (2) in the spontaneous mental imagery tasks, the 20-Hz band activity in the left premotor cortex and the 35-Hz band activity in the supplementary motor area were significantly larger in Group G.

Spatial Visualization in Construction Management Education: A Review and Validation of the Literature Using Professionals and Related Practitioners

ABSTRACT Little research exists concerning the differences of spatial abilities among Construction Professionals (CP) compared to other STEM and Non-STEM Professionals. The literature on spatial abilities in STEM vocations was reviewed and summarized to form research questions to test practitioners’ perceptions on spatial abilities. This study used a survey and the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations (PSVT:R) to identify if specific activities, experiences, or education are perceived to improve mental rotation abilities among practicing construction/related fields professionals. Differences in spatial ability were measured and a statistically significant difference was found between CPs and Non-STEM Professionals (p =.016). Results suggest that the activity of drawing to enhancing spatial ability was attributed more frequently among high scoring individuals (52%) than low scoring individuals (15%). PSVT:R scores were also compared with the amount of time per day participants made use of their spatial abilities and no statistically significant difference was found. Findings from this study suggest that a high level of spatial abilities are present among Construction Professionals. Construction education curriculum benefits from the findings that suggest drawing is an important activity to increase one’s spatial ability and should remain in CM program curriculum.

Impact of On-Site Hospital Medicine Curriculum on Preceptor Perception of Rotation.

To assess the feasibility of an on-site, case-based curriculum delivered by preceptors and to assess preceptors' perceptions of the impact of the curriculum on rotation performance and ability to teach. Hospital medicine preceptors were surveyed before and after curriculum deployment using a previously developed survey. Preceptors had positive perceptions of the impact of the curriculum. Rotation performance for health care systems topics had the greatest increase. Curriculum delivery through on-site, case-based teaching might be well received by preceptors. Despite increased demands on preceptor time, preceptor response to the introduction of a structured curriculum during the second-year internal medicine rotation was positive. Use of preceptor-delivered, preprepared, case-based curricular content might be a tool worth testing in further contexts.

Displacement Analysis and Design of a (2–RRU)–URR Parallel Mechanism Performing 2R1T Output Motion for Thumb Rehabilitation

The thumb assists other fingers, and any damage in its functionality prevents the human hand from performing dexterous functions. In this paper, the kinematic design of the (2–RRU)–URR parallel mechanism as the application of the thumb rehabilitation device is proposed. This mechanism is an over-constrained mechanism capable of achieving the required mobility with fewer joints. Three degrees of freedom exist—two rotational and one translational mobility—that are related to each thumb movement: adduction–abduction and flexion–extension. Considering the narrow space of the hand, actuators are designed to divide its placement into the surface of the palm. To avoid the collisions between the device and the hand, an offset was adopted. The displacement analysis problem is solved by dividing it into two parts: the planar motion generator (PMG) and orientation generator (OG), according to each functional motion, and the corresponding equations and procedures are presented. To clarify the basic characteristics of this mechanism, the reachable workspace of the PMG and rotational ability and sensitivity of the OG is demonstrated numerically. Because a large input torque difference is dangerous in the rehabilitation mechanism, the effective workspace is determined according to the magnitude of the input torque differences and compared with the measured thumb movements.

Examination of the Relationship Between Seventh-Grade Students’ Scientific Literacy among Certain Cognitive Variables

The aim of this study was to model the possible relationships between the seventh-grade students’ scientific literacy and their logical thinking abilities, cognitive styles (field-dependent/field-independent), functional mental capacities and mental rotation abilities. To that end, a theoretical model, which is believed to explain the relationship between the specified variables, was proposed and then tested by using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques. The sample of the study consisted of 823 seventh-grade students who were sampled by using the stratified random sampling method from the central districts of Ankara. The analysis of the data collected in the study supported the proposed theoretical model in the study. Based on the model, the logical thinking ability of the seventh-grade students was the only variable that directly affected the scientific literacy of the students. Field-dependent/field-independent cognitive styles affected the scientific literacy both directly and through all other cognitive variables indirectly. The functional mental capacity affected the scientific literacy both directly and through the mental rotation ability and the logical thinking ability indirectly. Mental rotation abilities affected scientific literacy both directly and through the logical thinking ability indirectly. Finally, the findings obtained from the study were compared with the research studies in the relevant field, and recommendations were presented for the researchers and practitioners of science education.

An evaluation of visuospatial skills using hands-on tasks.

Several tests of mental rotation ability have been used to investigate its development and the origins of sex differences. One of the most used tests is the mental rotation test (MRT) by Vandenberg and Kuse. A limitation of the MRT is that it is a pen-and-paper test with 2D images of 3D objects. This is a challenge to the ecological validity of the MRT because mental rotation typically involves physical 3D objects that are also physically manipulated. The purpose of the present study was to compare mental rotation ability as evaluated by the MRT to three new tasks with physical objects (toy bricks) that were physically manipulated. The different tasks allowed us to vary the processing demands on mental rotation while standardizing other aspects of the tasks. Fifty-nine females and twenty-eight males completed the LMR and HMR conditions (low- and high-mental rotation demands, respectively) of the brick building task (BBT), a visual search task, and the MRT. As demands on mental rotation for the BBT increased, performance decreased and a sex difference, with males outperforming females, increased. There were correlations between all tasks, but they were larger between the versions of the BBT with the MRT. The results suggest that spatial skill is an assembly of interrelated subskills and that the sex difference is sensitive to the demands on mental rotation and dimensionality crossing. The benefits of the BBT are that it is ecologically valid, avoids dimensionality crossing, and the demands on mental rotation can be manipulated.

Spatial anxiety mediates the sex difference in adult mental rotation test performance

Mental rotation ability is associated with successful advances in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and occupations. Meta-analyses have shown consistent sex disparities in mental rotation, where men outperform women on one measure of mental rotation ability, the Mental Rotations Test (MRT). Spatial anxiety, or the fear and apprehension felt when completing a task that requires spatial thinking, was proposed as a mechanism explaining the relation between sex and mental rotation test performance. This study modified the Spatial Anxiety Scale (SAS) to include questions about how anxious individuals feel when they must mentally rotate items to accomplish a task (e.g., playing Tetris). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the factorial structure of the modified spatial anxiety scale. Three factor loadings were extracted representing the ability to navigate, mentally rotate objects, and visualize objects. Furthermore, we analyzed the role of spatial anxiety and trait anxiety as potential mediators of the relation between participant sex and mental rotation performance. Spatial anxiety partially mediated the link between the sex of the participants and the MRT performance controlling for trait anxiety. Only navigation and mental rotation anxiety significantly mediated the relation between participant sex and mental rotation performance. We posit spatial anxiety as a barrier to efficient and accurate spatial thinking, and suggest that reducing spatial anxiety has the potential to improve spatial skills and reduce sex differences in mental rotation test performance. To ascertain this, an experimental design can determine whether a reduction in spatial anxiety causes changes in mental rotation test scores.

Mental Rotation Ability: Right or Left Hemisphere Competence? What We Can Learn from Callosotomized and Psychotic Patients

Mental rotation is an abstract operation whereby a person imagines rotating an object or a body part to place it in a different position. The ability to perform mental rotation was attributed to right hemisphere for objects, to the left for one’s own body images. Mental rotation seems to be basic for imitation in anatomical mode. Previous studies showed that control subjects, callosotomized and psychotic patients chose the mirror-mode when imitating without instructions; when asked to use the same or opposite limb as the model, controls chose the anatomical mode, callosotomized patients mainly used mirror mode, psychotic patients were in between. The preference of callosotomized subjects is likely due to defective mental rotation, because of the lack of the corpus callosum (CC), thus suggesting an asymmetry in the hemispheric competence for mental rotation. Present research investigated the mental rotation ability in control subjects, callosotomized and psychotic patients. All subjects were shown pictures of a model, in first or third person perspective, with a cup in her right or left hand. They had to indicate which model’s hand held the cup, by answering with a verbal or motor modality in separate experimental sessions. In both sessions, control subjects produced 99% of correct responses, callosotomy patients 62%, and psychotic patients 91%. The difference was statistically significant, suggesting a role of the CC in the integration of the two hemispheres’ asymmetric functions in mental rotation.

Effect of mental rotation skills training on ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia task performance by novice operators: a rater-blinded, randomised, controlled study

BackgroundThe effect of mental rotation training on ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) skill acquisition is currently unknown. In this study we aimed to examine whether mental rotation skill training can improve UGRA task performance by novice operators. MethodsWe enrolled 94 volunteers with no prior experience of UGRA in this randomised controlled study. After a baseline mental rotation test, their performance in a standardised UGRA needling task was independently assessed by two raters using the composite error score (CES) and global rating scale (GRS). Volunteers with low baseline mental rotation ability were randomised to a mental rotation training group or a no training group, and the UGRA needling task was repeated to determine the impact of the training intervention on task performance. The study primary outcome measure was UGRA needling task CES measured before and after the training intervention. ResultsMultivariate analyses controlling for age, gender, and previous performance showed that participants exposed to the training intervention made significantly fewer errors (CES B=-0.66 [standard error, se=0.17]; P<0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.92 to -0.26) and displayed improved overall performance (GRS B=6.15 [se=2.99], P=0.048, 95% CI=0.06 to 12.13) when undertaking the UGRA needling task. ConclusionsA simple training intervention, based on the manipulation and rotation of three-dimensional models, results in improved technical performance of a UGRA needling task in operators with low baseline mental rotation skills.

Visual-Spatial Perspective-Taking in Spatial Scenes and in American Sign Language

As spatial languages, sign languages rely on spatial cognitive processes that are not involved for spoken languages. Interlocutors have different visual perspectives of the signer's hands requiring a mental transformation for successful communication about spatial scenes. It is unknown whether visual-spatial perspective-taking (VSPT) or mental rotation (MR) abilities support signers' comprehension of perspective-dependent American Sign Language (ASL) structures. A total of 33 deaf ASL adult signers completed tasks examining nonlinguistic VSPT ability, MR ability, general ASL proficiency (ASL-Sentence Reproduction Task [ASL-SRT]), and an ASL comprehension test involving perspective-dependent classifier constructions (the ASL Spatial Perspective Comprehension Test [ASPCT] test). Scores on the linguistic (ASPCT) and VSPT tasks positively correlated with each other and both correlated with MR ability; however, VSPT abilities predicted linguistic perspective-taking better than did MR ability. ASL-SRT scores correlated with ASPCT accuracy (as both require ASL proficiency) but not with VSPT scores. Therefore, the ability to comprehend perspective-dependent ASL classifier constructions relates to ASL proficiency and to nonlinguistic VSPT and MR abilities.

Using the Walking Corsi test to explain age-related differences between young and older adults’ rotation performance

ABSTRACT This study newly assessed visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) in young and older adults with an extended version of the backward Corsi Blocks Task (CBT): the backward Walking Corsi Test (WalCT). It involves recalling sequences of spatial locations while moving in an indoor space (2.5 × 3m) in which the CBT layout is recreated on the floor. The specific contribution of the backward WalCT (beyond that of the backward CBT) to explaining age-related effects on spatial rotation abilities was explored. Seventy young adults and 56 older adults performed the backward WalCT, classic VSWM tasks, self-assessments on pleasure in exploring and spatial anxiety, and mental rotation and perspective-taking tasks. Mediation models for the mental rotation and perspective-taking measures showed a direct age-related effect on both the backward WalCT and backward CBT, and an indirect one on the two spatial rotation abilities, mediated by the backward WalCT and – partly – the backward CBT. In particular, age-related effects on mental rotation were explained by the backward WalCT, while those on perspective-taking were explained by both the backward WalCT and backward CBT. The backward WalCT can be considered a measure suitable for assessing VSWM in older adults, which also explains age-related effects on mental rotation and perspective-taking performance.

Strengthening spatial reasoning: elucidating the attentional and neural mechanisms associated with mental rotation skill development

Spatial reasoning is a critical skill in many everyday tasks and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The current study examined how training on mental rotation (a spatial reasoning task) impacts the completeness of an encoded representation and the ability to rotate the representation. We used a multisession, multimethod design with an active control group to determine how mental rotation ability impacts performance for a trained stimulus category and an untrained stimulus category. Participants in the experimental group (n = 18) showed greater improvement than the active control group (n = 18) on the mental rotation tasks. The number of saccades between objects decreased and saccade amplitude increased after training, suggesting that participants in the experimental group encoded more of the object and possibly had more complete mental representations after training. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed distinct neural activation associated with mental rotation, notably in the right motor cortex and right lateral occipital cortex. These brain areas are often associated with rotation and encoding complete representations, respectively. Furthermore, logistic regression revealed that activation in these brain regions during the post-training scan significantly predicted training group assignment. Overall, the current study suggests that effective mental rotation training protocols should aim to improve the encoding and manipulation of mental representations.

Comparison of the Moderating Effect of Mental Rotation Ability on the amount of Learning by Mental Exercise Method in a Motor Skill

Comparison of the Moderating Effect of Mental Rotation Ability on the amount of Learning by Mental Exercise Method in a Motor Skill

Robustness assessment of semi-rigid steel multi-storey frames

In recent years, the interest in knowledge and evaluation of the post-critical path of structures has increased mainly due to the recent occurrence of terrorist attacks and other exceptional events. In steel structures, joints play an essential role in the structural behaviour. Therefore, an adequate resistance is vital to prevent progressive collapse. This study presents a numerical evaluation of steel structures with bolted flush endplate semi-rigid joints using models based on finite element method focused on their post-critical nonlinear response. The current investigation addresses the structural behaviour of steel joints centred on the collapse of an internal column scenario. Furthermore, the structure robustness and the steel joints structural response was evaluated, as well as the development of internal stresses. The results were also estimated and compared with the main robustness design codes. The results indicated that the presence of elements able to withstand substantial tension loads is conditioned to an increase of the structural robustness to prevent progressive collapse. Within this perspective, the results also indicated that an increase of the bolt diameter led to an enhanced rotation capacity and ability to sustain gravity loads. Besides, it was noticed that most of the evaluated joints were able to meet the codes criteria to prevent progressive structural collapses.

Size Matters! Evaluating the Effect of Model Size on Anatomy Learning

Historically, learning anatomical specimens was limited to studying cadaveric materials, and by extension, specimens which are “life‐sized”. Recent technological advancements in 3D scanning and printing now allow for the production of inexpensive, durable anatomical replicas at virtually any size. This, however, creates a dilemma: what is the most effective model size to learn from? The goal of this project is to discover the appropriate size of an object to learn nominal anatomy and thus provide a critical step in improving anatomic education.We hypothesize that there is a curvilinear relationship between model size and learning, where a model too small or too big would not be the most conducive to learning and an ideal intermediate size can be determined. In this study, undergraduate students (n = 351) without prior anatomical training learned from four bones of varying normal anatomical size and features and were assessed on their ability to identify various landmarks. Thoracic vertebra (VE), hemipelvis (HE), sphenoid (SP), and scapula (SC) was 3D‐printed at four different scalar sizes. The VE and HE models were printed at 50%, 100%, 200%, and 400% scale, while SP and SC models were printed at 50%, 100%, 200%, and 300% scale. Each participant was randomly assigned to a group of two bone models (VE/HE or SP/SC) of a certain size, and randomized across the order in which they learned the models. They were then tested on the respective real bone specimens, followed by a qualitative survey reporting their experience with the 3D‐printed models, a Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and an Operation Span Test (OSPAN). Data collection for the 50% SP/SC group is still ongoing.Multiple regression suggested significant effects of Model Type, Model Size, MRT and OSPAN, (F(9, 596) = 17.96, p = 0.000, R2 = 0.2133). The most significant predictor of test score was MRT, which suggested a 10% increase in MRT score is associated with a ~3% increase in test score. The score variability independently accounted for by MRT and OSPAN was 14.6%, while the variability independently accounted for by model size and type was 7.8%. This means, that while test scores are primarily driven by participants’ mental rotation ability, model size remains an important feature that can be manipulated to improve learning. 3D printing allows for this in a cost‐effective way.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the Education Program in Anatomy at McMaster University. Many thanks to the University of Buffalo for 3D printing the 400% VE and HE models.

A new 3D analysis on displacement of proximal segment after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for class III asymmetry.

We aimed to quantify the displacement of the proximal segment after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy in patients with class III asymmetry and evaluate if the displacement was related to the movement of the distal segment. Forty adults with class III asymmetry corrected by bimaxillary surgery were studied. Cone-beam computed tomography taken before and 1week after surgery was used to measure the displacement of proximal segments and movement of the distal segment in terms of translation and rotation. The relationship between the displacemnt of the proximal segment and the movement of the distal segment was evaluated. After surgery, the deviated proximal segment was displaced forward and to the deviated side, rotated downward, tilted, and turned to the opposite side. The opposite proximal segment was displaced forward and rotated downward. The roll rotation of the proximal segment was correlated with the left/right movement and roll rotation of the distal segment. Early after orthognathic correction for class III asymmetry, the deviated proximal segment was displaced in a direction favorable for correction of asymmetry. The roll rotation of the proximal segment was affected by the transverse movement and roll rotation of the distal segment. Knowledge of the ability and limitation of the proximal segment rotation improves the virtual simulation.

The Mental Rotation Ability of Expert Basketball Players: Identifying On-Court Plays

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose was (1) to test a new version of a mental rotation task (MRT), which assesses mental rotation abilities of men and women for sport-specific items, and (2) to investigate potential differences in MRT performance, which are based on athletic expertise. Methods: Eighty-eight basketball experts (42 females) and 123 novices (64 females) were tested with a paper-and-pencil version of the “Mental Rotation Task—Basketball (MRT-BB)”, which is similar to the original MRT. Instead of three-dimensional cubes, six different basketball plays were used as stimuli. The criterion stimulus of the 24 items was always displayed in an upright orientation (basket on top), located on the left side of the sheet. In addition, two “correct” alternatives (one stimulus rotated by 90° to the left or right and one by 180°) and two “incorrect” alternatives (either rotated mirror-images of the criterion stimulus or rotated images of a different play) were displayed in different positions of the same row. The task was to identify the “correct” alternatives. Results: Results demonstrated (a) an effect of sex, with more items solved for male participants as compared to female participants, and (b) an effect of expertise, with better performance of expert players than of novices. Conclusions: Male and female basketball experts show better mental rotation skills for sport-specific stimulus material. The MRT-BB extends standard tests of mental rotation to sport-specific stimulus material and can be used to test the sport-specific mental rotation skills of basketball players.

Sense of home buffers threats to the self

We hypothesised that sense of home serves as a buffer against self‐threat. In three experiments, we induced sense of home (vs. control) and assessed its buffering function to threat. Sense of home augmented openness to stereotype threat information (Experiment 1), increased performance on a spatial rotation ability test after stereotype threat (Experiment 2), and reduced the desire for high‐status products following mortality salience (Experiment 3). This “proof of concept” research establishes the buffering potential of sense of home and raises theoretical and practical implications.

Is lateral acetabular rotation sufficient to correct anterolateral deficiency in periacetabular reorientation osteotomy? A CT-Based simulation study

BackgroundResidual acetabular deficiency after periacetabular reorientation osteotomy can result in suboptimal outcome. The optimal algorithm of acetabular fragment correction to achieve normal anterolateral acetabular coverage is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of residual anterolateral deficiency after lateral acetabular rotation and to evaluate the ability of additional sagittal and axial rotation of the acetabulum to normalize the acetabular coverage in periacetabular osteotomy. MethodsWe performed computed tomography-based simulated periacetabular osteotomy on 85 patients (85 hips) with hip dysplasia. The acetabular fragment was rotated laterally to achieve a lateral center-edge angle (CEA) of 30°. For hips with residual anterolateral deficiency, which were identified based on the reference interval of the anterior CEA, the acetabulum was further rotated in the sagittal or axial direction in 5-degree increments from 5° to 20°, and the ability of these two manoeuvres to restore a normal anterior CEA was assessed. ResultsAfter lateral acetabular rotation, 16 hips (19%) had residual anterolateral deficiency, 67 hips (79%) had normal acetabular coverage, and 2 hips (2.4%) had acetabular overcoverage. A preoperative anterior CEA <37° predicted residual deficiency (sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 81%). Additional anterior sagittal rotation was more effective than posterior axial rotation in normalizing the anterior CEA, while minimizing the decrease in posterior CEA. The highest number of hips with normal anterior and posterior CEA was noted at 10° sagittal rotation (81%), which was followed by 15° sagittal rotation (63%). ConclusionsNormal anterolateral coverage was achieved in 79% of patients after rotating the acetabulum laterally. However, lateral rotation of the acetabulum may be insufficient to correct the anterolateral deficiency in patients with an anterior CEA of <37°. In them, additional 10°–15° anterior sagittal rotation may be appropriate to achieve sufficient anterolateral coverage while retaining posterolateral coverage.