Reliability and construct validity of a novel motor-cognitive dual-task test: A Stepping Trail Making Test

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Assessing functional abilities in older adults is crucial for maintaining independence.
• The Stepping Trail Making Test (S-TMT) is a novel tool designed to evaluate dual-tasking abilities.
• Reliability and validity data are essential for implementing new assessment tools in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the test-retest reliability of the S-TMT.
• To examine the construct validity of the S-TMT by assessing its relationship with established motor and cognitive function tests.
• To evaluate the S-TMT's utility in community-dwelling older adults.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1224 community-dwelling older Japanese women (aged 65-81).
• Participants underwent the S-TMT, measuring time to step on numbered targets.
• Motor function was assessed via walking speed and knee extensor strength; cognitive function via Symbol Digit Substitution Task (SDST), memory tests, and TMT-A/B.

Main Results:

• The S-TMT demonstrated good test-retest reliability over 6 months (ICC=0.82).
• The S-TMT was significantly associated with walking speed (motor function).
• Significant associations were found between S-TMT performance and SDST, TMT-A, and TMT-B (cognitive functions).

Conclusions:

• The S-TMT is a reliable and valid dual-task assessment for older women.
• It effectively measures both mobility (motor function) and visual-dependent execution (cognitive function).
• The S-TMT shows promise as a tool for assessing integrated functional abilities in geriatric populations.