Validity and reliability of a digital solution for cognitive assessment: The Brain on Track®

Abstract

Background: Cognitive assessment and the early detection of cognitive impairments have been enhanced by the use of remote digital solutions. The Brain on Track® is one of these digital solutions used in clinical practice for online screening and monitoring of cognitive functioning. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the validity and reliability of the Brain on Track® computerized test on a tablet device in adults. Methods: A community sample of 54 young adults, 51 middle-aged adults, and 50 older adults were invited to attend in two assessment sessions. The first session included data collection on sociodemographic data, user digital literacy, Brain on Track® on the computer and on the tablet device, and usability from the user and moderator perspective. The second session included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (MoCA) and a second completion of the Brain on Track® on tablet to assess the criterion validity and test–retest reliability. Hypothesis testing was used to assess construct validity. Results: A weak to moderate correlation was found between the Brain on Track® tablet score and the MoCA. The ICC was 0.72, 0.84, and 0.79, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.84, 0.83, and 0.89 in young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults, respectively. Conclusions: This study suggested that the Brain on Track® administered using a tablet device has criterion validity, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, and internal consistency and test–retest reliability in adults of any age group.