Protocol - Executive Function - Direct Assessment - Adult
Description
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is an interviewer-administered, two-part test that requires the respondent to organize numerical and alphabetical sequences that are randomly distributed on a piece of paper. The protocol for TMT includes instructions for correcting mistakes and instructions for scoring based on speed and accuracy.
Specific Instructions
Whereas the Trail Making Test (TMT) has two parts (Parts A and B), the PhenX Neurology Working Group recommends that Part B be used to measure executive function in adults.
The TMT is a proprietary, fee-based instrument that is available from Reitan Neuropsychology Lab, Inc.
Availability
Protocol
Trail Making Test, Part A
The examiner first shows the respondent a sample test that has numbers 1-8 distributed in random order. The examiner demonstrates the task and lets the respondent practice connecting the numbers in increasing order. The examiner then hands the respondent the actual test which has the numbers 1-25 distributed in random order and asks the respondent to connect them in increasing order as fast as possible without raising the pen from the paper. Respondents are scored based on speed and accuracy.
Trail Making Test, Part B
The examiner first shows the respondent a sample test that has numbers 1-4 and letters A-D distributed in random order. The examiner demonstrates the task and lets the respondent practice connecting the numbers to letters (one to A, A to two, etc.) in increasing order. The examiner then hands the respondent the actual test which has the numbers 1-13 and letters A-L distributed in random order and asks the respondent to connect them in increasing order as fast as possible without raising the pen from the paper. Respondents are scored based on speed and accuracy.
Personnel and Training Required
Personnel should be trained by a licensed neuropsychologist or other trained medical professional experienced with the Trail Making Test. Additionally, investigators are encouraged to have quality control procedures (such as videotaping sessions, etc.) in place to maintain consistency across examiners.
Equipment Needs
The interviewer will need a copy of the test that includes the cue cards with the sequence of numbers and letters and the scoring instructions.
Requirements
| Requirement Category | Required |
|---|---|
| Major equipment | No |
| Specialized training | No |
| Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection | No |
| Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual | No |
Mode of Administration
Performance-based task
Lifestage
Adolescent, Adult, Senior
Participants
Participant ages 15 years and older.
Selection Rationale
The Trail Making Test was selected because it is a standard, widely used, validated protocol.
Language
English
Standards
| Standard | Name | ID | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Phenotype Ontology | Abnormality of higher mental function | HP:0011446 | HPO |
Derived Variables
None
Process and Review
Expert Review Panel 4 (ERP 4) reviewed the measures in the Neurology, Psychiatric, and Psychosocial domains.
Guidance from ERP 4 included the following:
- Added new measure
- No changes to existing protocol
Protocol Name from Source
The Trail Making Test (TMT)
Source
Reitan Neuropsychology Lab. The Adult Trail Making Test (TMT).
The TMT is a proprietary instrument and can be obtained through:
Reitan Neuropsychology Lab
P.O. Box 66080
Tucson, AZ 85728-6080
USA
Telephone: (520) 577-2970
Fax: (520) 577-2940
General References
None
Protocol ID
131602
Variables
Export Variables| Variable Name | Variable ID | Variable Description | dbGaP Mapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PX131602000000 | Protocol 131602 - proprietary. Check DCW for more | N/A | ||
Measure Name
Executive Function - Direct Assessment
Release Date
November 28, 2017
Definition
An interviewer-administered test to measure a respondent’s system of high-level cognitive functions such as abstract thinking, rule acquisition, cognitive flexibility, and goal-oriented behavior.
Purpose
This measure tests a respondent’s total range of function with respect to executive function. It is therefore more specific and sensitive than a measure of global mental status and can be used to assess major problems in executive function as well as minor variations that may be a consequence of normal development and aging.
Keywords
Neurology, sickle cell disease, SCD, cognition, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, proprietary, Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, gerontology, aging, geriatrics
Measure Protocols
| Protocol ID | Protocol Name |
|---|---|
| 131601 | Executive Function - Direct Assessment - Adolescent |
| 131602 | Executive Function - Direct Assessment - Adult |
Publications
There are no publications listed for this protocol.