The Correlation Between Computerized Cognitive Tests Scores With Functional Cognitive Tests in People With Multiple Sclerosis

In order to rehabilitate cognitive disorders, it is necessary to carefully evaluate cognitive function. Given the variety of assessments, including computerized and functional tests, the aim of this study was to determine whether computerized test scores really reflect a person’s functional ability. In this study, we measured the correlation between computerized and functional evaluation results.

In this cross-section study, 45 people (9 males and 36 females) with multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Score (EDSS) of 1 to 5 were recruited. To assess their cognitive function, the CANTAB tests (SOC, DMS, and SSP tests) and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) battery were used. The data were then processed with SPSS software v. 22.

The results showed that the CANTAB test is well correlated with the LOTCA battery. A high correlation was observed between LOTCA’s “visual perception” with delayed matching to sample (r=0.909), LOTCA’s “spatial perception” with spatial span test (r=0.907), LOTCA’s “visual organization” with stocking of Cambridge (r=0.961), and “mental operations” in LOTCA with “stocking of Cambridge” (r=0.835). 

Due to the very good convergence of these two tests, in many cases, computerized tests can be used instead of functional tests.