Cognition

COG1 THE RELIABILITY OF THE MULTIPLE ERRANDS TEST: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Student: Kimberly Neufeld
Supervisors: Deirdre Dawson and Shlomit Rotenberg
Other Team Members: Ifah Arbel, Brett Hnatiw, Moira Ruthralingam, and Kirstin Yuzwa
Objective: To systematically review the peer-reviewed literature on the reliability of versions of the Multiple Errands Test (MET) administered in real-world environments. Data Sources: Four databases were searched in May 2019. Variants of the name of the MET were used as search terms. The search was limited to articles published from 1991 onwards. Study Selection: One reviewer applied a priori eligibility criteria to articles identified in a systematic review on the measurement properties of all existing versions of the MET. Eleven articles were identified for inclusion. Confirmation that all relevant articles had been identified was provided by researchers involved in extracting data for the broader systematic review. Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted data from all articles included in this review. The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines were used to appraise the evidence. Data Synthesis: Four studies provided data on internal consistency, zero studies provided data on intra-rater reliability, nine studies provided data on inter-rater reliability, zero studies provided data on test-retest reliability, and two studies provided data on alternate forms reliability. The quality of the evidence was “high” for inter-rater reliability and “very low” for internal consistency and alternate forms reliability. Conclusions: The extent, nature, and quality of evidence on the reliability of versions of the MET administered in real-world environments is limited. Researchers and clinicians should use these tests with caution until there is further empirical support for their use.

COG2 RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Students: Maddie Cox and Mark Lavoie
Supervisor: Deirdre Dawson
Rationale: Individuals who experience non-traumatic Acquired Brain Injuries (NT-ABIs) can often experience various physical, cognitive, sensory, lingual, and emotional symptoms, which effect activity and participation in daily living. Evidence exists supporting the use of rhythm- and movement-based interventions (RMBIs) in the rehabilitation of these issues, however an overall review of this literature does not yet exist. Objectives: To address this stated gap in research, this study assessed the available literature related to the effectiveness of RMBIs on activity and participation outcomes in NT-ABI rehabilitation for adults. Methods: Literature was systematically reviewed from five online databases, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information regarding each study’s participants, interventions, methodology, results, and limitations was synthesized through a narrative analysis. Results: Based on the limited available evidence, RMBIs appear to have generally positive effects for people experiencing NT-ABIs, with no reported negative effects. Conclusions: There is currently little evidence regarding RMBIs and their effects on activity and participation outcomes. Based on available evidence, incorporating RMBIs into rehabilitation programs for clients with NT-ABIs may have positive effects on activity and participation without risk of adverse effects.

COG3 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIG-STORE MULTIPLE ERRANDS TEST
Students: Faith Gallant and Alexandra Leonardelli
Supervisors: Deirdre Dawson and Shlomit Rotenberg
Background: Individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI) can experience executive functioning impairments that impact their ability to engage in activities of daily living. The Multiple Errands Test (MET) is a tool that occupational therapists can use to assess this construct with clients. The Big Store MET was recently developed to increase availability for use across many clinical settings in North America. Objective: To further establish interrater reliability of this assessment tool, and determine known group validity on performance of the Big Store MET between adults with an ABI and matched healthy controls (HC). Methods: 10 participants, including adults with ABI and HC, were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were administered the Big Store MET and a battery consisting of eight neuropsychological sub-tests. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, intra-class correlation coefficient with a two-way mixed effect model, Pearson correlation coefficient, and a Kruskal Wallis Test of ranks. Results: This study found excellent interrater reliability for 5 of 6 summary scores and medium to large effect sizes on 4 of the sub-performance areas of the Big Store MET including: tasks completed accurately, task omissions, time to complete, and strategies used. Conclusion: This study further validates the interrater reliability of the Big Store MET and begins to establish known group validity for an ABI population. This research contributes to the confirmation of the Big Store MET as a clinically useful tool and highlights the importance of further development.

COG4 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MULTIPLE ERRANDS TEST – HOME VERSION
Students: Mikaela Morton and Jessica Wilcox
Supervisors: Deirdre Dawson, Shlomit Rotenberg, Ranya Ghatas, Suzanne Burns
Introduction: Executive dysfunction in adults living at home can bring rise to a multitude of issues that may impact their ability to live safely and independently. Problems in executive functioning can be a result of an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). In order to gain a better understanding of how an ABI affects the daily activities of adults living at home, the Multiple Errands Test (MET) -Home version was tested with this population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether the MET-Home version can discriminate between individuals with ABI and neurologically healthy controls in regards to how executive dysfunction impacts daily functioning at home in this population. Additionally, it assessed inter-rater reliability and feasibility for using the MET-Home in various home settings. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional quantitative design. 10 participants with ABI and 10 matched healthy controls were recruited by flyers and the Rotman volunteer database at Baycrest Hospital. Each participant completed a neuropsychological assessment battery and had the MET-Home administered to them in their home. Results: It was found that the MET-Home has high levels of inter-rater reliability, large effect sizes, and positive correlations with executive functioning tests. Conclusions: The findings of this study support that the MET-Home can discriminate between daily functioning of those with and without an ABI, demonstrating that this assessment tool is useful to examine how executive dysfunction in this population may impede daily living, and can therefore guide OT interventions to ensure safer functioning.