The relationship between age and performance on the Trail Making test in a Chilean population
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: According to literature, the Trail Making Test A-B is one of the most frequently used tests in the US. The TMT test has been adapted in different countries including France, Italy, Israel, Spain and Brazil. The relationship between TMT and age has also been studied in Chinese, Arabian, and Korean speakers. In South America as well as Chile, the Bender Gestalt continues to be the most frequently used “neuropsychological” test instrument. In order to ameliorate this situation, studies need to be completed that provide evidence of sensibility, adaptability, and normative information about commonly used tests, such as the Trail Making Test in Latino countries. The Trail Making Test, with instructions in Spanish (and available from the authors in written or video form), was administered by three independently licensed health professionals as part of their routine clinical activities. Subjects were 165 Chilean adults with ages ranging from 21 to 82 years and at least 12 years of education. Results corroborated the previous findings from other countries in which age was positively related to time in completing Trails A and B. Variability of performance in parts A and B 7of TMT was significantly accounted by age in 36% and 27% respectively. As a consequence, TMT appears to be a sensitive test to normal cognitive decline in Chilean Spanish speakers.
Author: Jorge J. Gontier
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2103073233