Assessment of driving performance using a simulator protocol: validity and reproducibility

Am J Occup Ther. 2010 Mar-Apr;64(2):336-40. doi: 10.5014/ajot.64.2.336.

Abstract

We examined the validity and reproducibility of simulator-based driving evaluations. In Study 1, we examined correlations among Trails A and B, demerit points for simulated drives, and simulator-recorded errors. With one exception, correlations ranged from .44 (p = .103) to .83 (p = .001). In Study 2, we examined correlations among Trail Making Test Part A, Useful Field of View, and demerit points for simulated drives; correlations ranged from .50 to .82 (all ps < .001). The correlation between demerit points for on-road and simulated drives was .74 (p = .035). We examined reproducibility of simulator assessments using the playback function; intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .73 to .87 (all ps < .001). These results suggest that simulators could be used to facilitate the evaluation of fitness to drive.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Automobile Driver Examination
  • Automobile Driving / standards*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Young Adult