Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the movements of the whole body and numerical calculation, such as additions and subtractions. Starting from previous evidence on the horizontal and vertical axes, in the present study participants were required to count by adding or subtracting «three» while performing a motion on the circular axis (i.e., a clockwise or counterclockwise movement), in an active (i.e., walking) or passive mode (i.e., being pushed on a wheelchair). Results showed the presence of a relationship between numerical processing and the direction of the circular movement, both in an active and passive movement condition, but only for additions and only for male participants. Implications of the results for theories of embodied cognition are discussed.