Development and Validation of an Android-based Trail Making Test Application (TMT App) for Cognitive Evaluation in...

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychological assessment
• Digital health technologies
• Mobile application development

Background:

• The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely recognized neuropsychological assessment tool.
• The paper-and-pencil format of the TMT presents opportunities for digital adaptation.
• Developing a mobile application can enhance the accessibility and standardization of the TMT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an Android-based tablet application for the Trail Making Test (TMT App).
• To assess the correlation between the app-based TMT and the traditional paper-and-pencil TMT.
• To evaluate the usability of the TMT App in healthy individuals and those with depression.

Main Methods:

• An Android-based TMT application was developed.
• 133 healthy and depressed individuals completed both paper-based and app-based TMT versions in a randomized cross-over design.
• Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS) in a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations were found between the paper-based and app-based TMT-A and TMT-B in both healthy and depressed groups.
• Age positively correlated with TMT performance across both versions.
• Participants reported positive usability experiences with the TMT App.

Conclusions:

• The TMT App is a valid digital alternative to the paper-and-pencil Trail Making Test.
• The app shows significant correlation with established TMT methods.
• The TMT App is user-friendly and suitable for use in clinical and research settings.