Author:
Linari Ignacio,Juantorena Gustavo E.,Ibáñez Agustín,Petroni Agustín,Kamienkowski Juan E.
Abstract
AbstractThe Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most popular neuropsychological tests for executive functions (EFs) assessment. It presents several strengths: it is sensitive to executive dysfunction, it is easy to understand, and has a short administration. However, it has important limitations. First, the underlying EFs articulated during the task are not well discriminated, which makes it a test with low specificity. Second, the pen-and-paper version presents one trial per condition which introduces high variability. Third, only the total time is quantified, which does not allow for a detailed analysis. Fourth, it has a fixed spatial configuration per condition. We designed a computerised version of the TMT to overcome its main limitations and evaluated it in a group of neurotypical adults. Eye and hand positions are measured with high resolution over several trials, and spatial configuration is controlled. Our results showed a very similar performance profile compared to the traditional TMT. Moreover, it revealed differences in eye movements between parts A and B. Most importantly, based on hand and eye movements, we found an internal working memory measure that showed an association to a validated working memory task. Additionally, we proposed another internal measure as a potential marker of inhibitory control. Our results showed that EFs can be studied in more detail using traditional tests combined with powerful digital setups. The cTMT showed potential use in older adult populations and patients with EFs disorders.
Funder
BrainLat Seed Research Grant Program, Chile
Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica
Takeda
Sistema General de Regalías de Colombia
Universidad del Valle
Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's Association,United States
National Institutes of Health,United States
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas,Argentina
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
13 articles.
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