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Traditional Trail Making Test Modified into Brand-new Assessment Tools: Digital and Walking Trail Making Test
Published on: November 23, 2019
Trail Making Test: regression-based norms for the Portuguese population
Sara Cavaco1, Alexandra Gonçalves, Cláudia Pinto
1Laboratório de Neurobiologia do Comportamento Humano, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Summary
This study provides normative data for the Portuguese population on the Trail Making Test (TMT). Sex, age, and education significantly impact TMT performance, with adjusted scores now available.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment.
- Normative data are essential for accurate interpretation of TMT performance.
- Existing TMT norms may not adequately represent the Portuguese population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for the Trail Making Test (TMT) in the Portuguese population.
- To investigate the influence of demographic factors on TMT performance.
- To develop regression-based algorithms for adjusting TMT scores.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 1,038 community-dwelling Portuguese individuals aged 18-93 years.
- Administered the Trail Making Test (Parts A and B).
- Collected demographic data including sex, age, and years of education.
Main Results:
- Sex, age, and education were significant predictors of TMT performance.
- These demographic variables explained 57% of variance in TMT Part A and 50% in TMT Part B.
- Regression-based algorithms were developed to adjust TMT scores.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial normative data for the Portuguese population.
- Adjusted TMT scores account for demographic variations, enhancing clinical utility.
- These findings support more accurate neuropsychological assessments in Portugal.
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