The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test as an evaluative tool for executive functions after severe traumatic brain injury: a comparative study

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2012;34(2):151-9. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2011.625351. Epub 2011 Nov 25.

Abstract

Neuropsychological tests are often used to evaluate executive function (EF) deficits in patients suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This study compared the sensitivity of three such tests--namely, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test (D-KEFS ST), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Trail Making Test (TMT)--in differentiating between severe TBI patients and healthy controls. The differences between the two groups were significant for 5/5 variables evaluated through the D-KEFS ST, for 4/6 variables evaluated through the WCST, and for 2/2 variables evaluated through the TMT. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the variables "attempted sorts" in the D-KEFS ST and completion time in Part B of the TMT were the most powerful predictors of group assignment, with cutoff points of 9.5 sorts and 84.5 seconds, respectively. Our results highlight the possible value of the D-KEFS ST in the evaluation of postinjury EF deficits in TBI patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • ROC Curve
  • Translations
  • Young Adult