Slovak version of the Trail Making Test: Normative data

Abstract

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a popular measure of cognitive functioning, especially processing speed and cognitive flexibility. This study aims to provide normative data for the Slovak adult population. The secondary aim is to test the convergent validity by examining relationships of direct and derived indices to other neuropsychological measures. A sample of 487 healthy adults undertook neuropsychological testing. The relationships of TMT scores to demographic variables and other neuropsychological measures were tested. Age was positively correlated with TMT–A (r = 0.444, p < .01), TMT–B (r = 0.426, p < .01), and the B-A index (r = 0.317, p < .01). Years of education were negatively correlated with TMT–B (r = –0.183, p < .01), B-A difference (r = –0.188, p < .01) and B/A ratio (r = –0.119, p < .01). There were no statistically significant differences in performance based on gender. The test scores were correlated with other measures of processing speed and executive functions. Presented normative data are stratified into 7 age categories. For more accurate interpretation, regression equations were calculated to take years of education into account. TMT-A and B performance, as well as B-A difference score, must be interpreted in relation to age, while education can provide additional information. The B/A ratio is independent from age but should be also corrected for educational level.

Keywords:

• Executive functions
• normative data
• processing speed
• regression equations
• Trail Making Test

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under APVV [Grant No. 15-0686] and Research and Development Operational Programme funded by the ERDF [Grant No: ITMS 26240220086].