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Trail-Making Test - Subject Baseline

This measure appears in the following time-points: Baseline.

Related Construct

Description of Measure

Cognitive dysfunction related to impairment to the frontal cortex of the brain is assessed through the use of two well-accepted neurological tests, the Stroop Color-word test and the Trail Making Test. The Stroop is described in another section of the codebook.

The Trail-making test is a measure of general brain function (see Reitan, 1979). The skills required in completing the Trail-Making Test (Reitan, 1979) are indicative of the presence of brain damage. The test has two parts: Part A involves a series of numbers and the participant is required to connect the numbers in sequential order (similar to a dot-to-dot). Part B involves a series of numbers and letters and the participant is required to alternately connect letters and numbers in sequential order. The test generally requires ability to sequence (Parts A and B), ability to shift cognitive set (Part B), and processing speed (Parts A and B). Part A and Part B are scored separately and expressed in terms of the number of seconds it takes the participant to complete each section. Longer completion times (Child: Part A, greater than 18 seconds/Part B, greater than 37 seconds; Adult: Part A, greater than 39 seconds/Part B, greater than 85 seconds) are indicative of neurological deficit. Versions for adults (15 and older) and children (9-14) are available.

The following summary variables are available:

Data Issues

References