Tsiakiri, A.; Christidi, F.; Tsiptsios, D.; Vlotinou, P.; Kitmeridou, S.; Bebeletsi, P.; Kokkotis, C.; Serdari, A.; Tsamakis, K.; Aggelousis, N.; Vadikolias, K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol. Int.2024, 16, 210-225.
Tsiakiri, A.; Christidi, F.; Tsiptsios, D.; Vlotinou, P.; Kitmeridou, S.; Bebeletsi, P.; Kokkotis, C.; Serdari, A.; Tsamakis, K.; Aggelousis, N.; Vadikolias, K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol. Int. 2024, 16, 210-225.
Tsiakiri, A.; Christidi, F.; Tsiptsios, D.; Vlotinou, P.; Kitmeridou, S.; Bebeletsi, P.; Kokkotis, C.; Serdari, A.; Tsamakis, K.; Aggelousis, N.; Vadikolias, K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol. Int.2024, 16, 210-225.
Tsiakiri, A.; Christidi, F.; Tsiptsios, D.; Vlotinou, P.; Kitmeridou, S.; Bebeletsi, P.; Kokkotis, C.; Serdari, A.; Tsamakis, K.; Aggelousis, N.; Vadikolias, K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol. Int. 2024, 16, 210-225.
Abstract
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly administered tests in clinical and research neuropsychological settings. The two parts of the test [part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B)] enable the evaluation of visuoperceptual tracking and processing speed (TMT-A), as well as divided attention, set-shifting and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B). The main cognitive processes that are assessed using TMT, i.e. processing speed, divided attention and cognitive flexibility, are often affected in patients with stroke. Considering the wide use of TMT in research and clinical settings since its introduction in neuropsychological practice, the purpose of our review was to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of TMT in stroke patients in an attempt to mainly identify its role for the evaluation of post-stroke cognitive dysfunction and progression over time, the identification of the underlying neuroanatomical pathology related to impaired TMT performance, and the association with other stroke outcomes, such motor function, driving ability and quality of life. Our comprehensive review underscores that the TMT stands as an invaluable asset in the stroke assessment toolkit, contributing nuanced insights into diverse cognitive, functional, and emotional dimensions. As research progresses, continued exploration of the TMT potential across these domains is encouraged, fostering a deeper comprehension of post-stroke dynamics, and enhancing patient-centered care across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and community health settings. Its integration into both research and clinical practice reaffirms TMT status as an indispensable instrument in stroke-related evaluations, enabling holistic insights that extend beyond traditional neurological assessments.
Keywords
stroke; Trail Making Test; processing speed; divided attention; cognitive flexibility
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Neurology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.