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.