Projects

Trail Making

The Trail Making task consists of three versions: Numeric, Alphabet, and Alphanumeric. In each version, participants are instructed to connect numbers and/or letters in the correct sequence by tapping on them. Correct selections are highlighted in green, and are accompanied by a positive sound alert. If an incorrect selection is made, a negative sound alert will play, and the sequence will not progress until the correct item is chosen. The task concludes once all items are tapped in the correct order.

The Numeric Version is designed to assess visual scanning and processing speed:
- Participants are instructed to tap the numbers in ascending order (i.e., 1 → 2 → 3...).
- Numbers are randomly placed on the screen, with a different placement on the screen each administration.


The Alphabet Version is designed to assess visual scanning and processing speed:
- Participants are instructed to tap the letters in alphabetical order (i.e., A → B → C...).
- Letters are randomly placed on the screen, with a different placement on the screen each administration.

The Alphanumeric Version is designed to assess executive function, particularly cognitive flexibility:
- Participants are instructed to tap the numbers and letters in alternating order (e.g., 1 → A → 2 → B → 3 → C...).
- A mix of numbers and letters are randomly placed on the screen, with a different placement on the screen each administration.

Customize:

  • Option to mute all sound alerts during the task
  • Which version(s) of the Trail Making Test

Data collected:

  • Correct count: Total number of correct taps
  • Number of errors: Total number of incorrect taps
  • Longest Sequence: Maximum number of taps correctly identified in a sequence
  • Median reaction time (for correct responses)
  • Fastest reaction time (for correct trials)
  • Completion time: Time to complete the entire trial

Validated:

The numeric and alphabetical trails paradigm has been extensively studied and has consistently related to visual scanning and processing speed. The alphanumeric switching trails paradigm has been extensively studied and has been consistently associated with frontal functioning. Other groups have previously published validity data for mobile tests using the trails paradigm, showing that it is feasible and associated with the traditional paper and pencil test.

Published Studies

Naturalistic smartphone keyboard typing reflects processing speed and executive function

Authors: Mindy K Ross, Alexander P Demos, John Zulueta, Andrea Piscitello, Scott A Langenecker, Melvin McInnis, Olusola Ajilore, Peter C Nelson, Kelly A Ryan, Alex Leow

Year Published: 2023
Read More

Cognitive Testing in People at Increased Risk of Dementia Using a Smartphone App: The iVitality Proof-of-Principle Study

Authors: Susan Jongstra, Liselotte Willemijn Wijsman, Ricardo Cachucho, Marieke Peternella Hoevenaar-Blom, Simon Pieter Mooijaart, Edo Richard

Year Published: 2017
Read More

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

Authors: Rohit Verma, Ishita Dhyani

Year Published: 2024
Read More

Innovating Solutions for a Changing World