Driving Trail Making Test part B: a variant of the TMT-B

Abstract

[Purpose] The Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B) is used in evaluating driving abilities and includes testing for the executive function. A driving simulator version of this test (DTMT-B) was developed to measure drivers’ executive abilities in three-dimensional space. The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of the DTMT-B for driving assessment. [Subjects] Thirty stroke patients and 65 healthy subjects were recruited. [Methods] Participants performed the TMT-B and DTMT-B. The DTMT-B was run on a driving simulator in which the individual performed a task on virtual roads connecting the lettered and numbered TMT-B points by simulated driving instead of connecting them with lines as in the paper or computerized TMT-B. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess validities. Significant correlations were found between the TMT-B and DTMT-B. [Results] Participants performed the TMT-B and DTMT-B. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess validities. Significant correlations were found between the TMT-B and DTMT-B. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the DTMT-B may be useful as part of driver screening assessment using a driving simulator for stroke patients and that it may also be used to assess the executive functions for healthy people.