Comparing Performance of Young Adults on a Computer-based Version of the Austin Maze and the Conventional Form of the Test

Abstract

The Austin Maze has declined in use in both clinical and research contexts due to difficulties in accessing the conventional button-box form of the test. Computer-based versions of the Austin Maze offer a potential means of making the test more accessible, but as yet there is limited evidence regarding the equivalence of computer and conventional versions of the Austin Maze. The present study compared performance on a computer version of the Austin Maze by Bray and McDonald with performance on the traditional button maze in 63 participants aged 18–27 years. The results showed no differences between the computer and conventional versions in terms of mean scores and distributions, and performances on the two versions were significantly correlated. Examination of correlates found no relationship between Austin Maze performance and years of education or age for either version of the Austin Maze performance. Intellectual function was modestly associated with performance on the conventional version but not the computer version. Overall, these findings suggest that scores on the Bray and McDonald computer version of the Austin Maze produces comparable scores to the conventional form of the test and can be interpreted using existing normative data.