The Trail Making Test: A Review of Research in Children

Abstract

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is widely used in neuropsychological practice as part of a battery for detecting neuropsychological dysfunction. A comprehensive review published by Horton in 1979, focused on adult performance. A critical evaluation of research investigating the use of this test in children is presented here. No clear set of instructions for test use is available for children and, while some aspects of neuropsychological function are similar for adults and children, other factors set these groups apart. Norms are not readily available for children and the relationship of test performance to age, education level and IQ in adults suggests that these are critical variables, particularly in South Africa.