Test-retest reliability and validity of a custom-designed computerized neuropsychological cognitive test battery in young healthy adults.

Abstract

Objective Dual-task methodologies are utilized to probe attentional resource sharing between motor and cognitive systems. Computerized neuropsychological testing is an advanced approach for cognitive assessment and its application in dual task testing is evolving. This study aimed to establish the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of a custom-designed, computerized, cognitive test battery. Methods Fifteen healthy young adults were tested for the following domains (and tasks): 1) visuomotor function (Spot and Click, SC), 2) phonemic memory (Category Naming, Cat N) and verbal fluency (Word List Generation, WLG), 3) response inhibition (Color Naming, CN), 4) discriminant decision-making (Unveil the Star, US), 5) visual working memory (Triangle and Letter Tracking, TT and LT), 6) problem solving (Peg Game, PG) and 7) information processing speed (Letter-Number, LN). The reaction time, accuracy, time of completion, total number of responses and total number of errors were used as the outcome variables. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine reliability for all outcome variables and concurrent validity was established with respect to the Delis Kaplan Executive Function System™ (D-KEFS™). Reliability ranged from good to excellent for all seven tasks (ICC>0.65). The Cat.N, WLG and CN showed good correlation and PG task showed moderate correlation with tests of the D-KEFS. Conclusion Findings indicate that these computerized cognitive tests were both valid and reproducible and therefore can be easily implemented by clinicians for assessing cognition and incorporated for dual-task testing and training.

Dose-Response Effects of Exercise Duration and Recovery on Cognitive Functioning

“…In addition, this Color Word Stroop task did not demonstrate evidence of a practice effect over a 2-week period (F ¼ 0.22; p > .05; Lemay et al, 2004). Evidence of validity for this task has been demonstrated by performance scores on this task associating with other versions of this task (r ¼ .79, r ¼ .73, respectively, for congruent and incongruent; Vora et al, 2016).…”

“…Previous research demonstrates adequate psychometric properties of this task. The 10-to 12-day test-retest reliability for this measure among young adults is 0.78 and 0.92, respectively, for congruent and incongruent trials (Vora, Varghese, Weisenbach, & Bhatt, 2016). In a separate sample of youngto middle-age adults, the 1-week test-retest reliability of this measure is 0.91 (Beglinger et al, 2005).…”

Experimental Evaluation of the Joint Effects of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior on Cognitive Function

“…As described elsewhere [ 3 ], previous research demonstrates adequate psychometric properties of this task. The 10–12 day test-retest reliability for this measure among young adults is 0.78 and 0.92, respectively, for congruent and incongruent trials [ 37 ]. In a separate sample of young- to middle-age adults, the one-week test-retest reliability of this measure is 0.91 [ 38 ].…”

“…Additionally, this Color Word Stroop task did not demonstrate evidence of a practice effect over a two-week period (F = 0.22; p > 0.05) [ 39 ]. Evidence of validity for this task has been demonstrated by performance scores on this task associating with other versions of this task (r = 0.79, r = 0.73, respectively, for congruent and incongruent) [ 37 ].…”

Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise in Attenuating Concurrent Memory Interference

“…Stroop Task. The Stroop color word test is a well-documented prefrontal activation task indicative of executive function [32], which demonstrates adequate psychometric properties [33]. Testing of the Stroop effect was performed using computerized software.…”