Validation of a computerized version of the MNREAD chart for children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Optometry
• Human Factors

Background:

• The Minnesota Normal Reading English Assessment (MNREAD) is a standard tool for evaluating reading performance.
• Assessing reading speed in children is crucial for identifying learning difficulties and visual impairments.
• Digitalizing traditional eye charts can enhance usability and data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computerized version of the MNREAD for assessing reading speed in children.
• To compare the performance of the computerized MNREAD with the traditional physical chart.
• To establish normative data for the computerized MNREAD in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

• A computerized MNREAD was developed using Psykinematix software, mirroring the physical chart's parameters.
• Reading velocity was measured in 104 children across 3rd and 5th grades.
• Bland-Altman analysis was employed to assess agreement between the physical and computerized versions.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in Maximum Reading Speed, Critical Print Size, and Reading Acuity between 3rd and 5th graders.
• No significant differences were found between the physical and computerized MNREAD versions within each grade level.
• Bland-Altman analysis indicated high agreement between the two versions, with 95% of data points within ±2 s of the mean difference.

Conclusions:

• The computerized MNREAD is a valid and reliable tool for assessing reading speed in children.
• The digital format may offer improved assessment quality, as suggested by higher reading speed values in 5th graders compared to previous studies.
• Calculated Tolerance Limits provide normative references for clinical applications.