Development of a computerized Digit Vigilance Test and validation in patients with stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Cognitive deficits are common after stroke, impacting daily functioning.
• Traditional Digit Vigilance Test (DVT) has significant random measurement error.
• Objective and reliable cognitive assessment tools are crucial for stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computerized Digit Vigilance Test (C-DVT) with reduced random measurement error compared to the traditional DVT.
• To evaluate the concurrent validity, ecological validity, and test-retest reliability of the C-DVT in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 44 patients with stroke.
• Development of the C-DVT based on expert input and user feedback.
• Psychometric evaluation included administering the C-DVT and DVT twice over 14 days.

Main Results:

• The C-DVT demonstrated high concurrent validity (ρ=0.75) with the DVT.
• Moderate ecological validity was found, correlating with Barthel Index and ADL-CAT scores (ρ=-0.60 to -0.57).
• Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.92) and acceptable random measurement error (MDC%=15.4%) were observed, significantly lower than DVT (33.0%).

Conclusions:

• A C-DVT with reduced random measurement error was successfully developed.
• The C-DVT exhibits satisfactory concurrent validity, ecological validity, and test-retest reliability in stroke patients.
• This digital tool shows promise for reliable cognitive assessment in stroke rehabilitation.