Clinical validation of the Allen's Cognitive Level Screen in acquired brain injury

Brain Inj. 2022 May 12;36(6):775-781. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2065031. Epub 2022 Apr 21.

Abstract

Background: The evaluation of functional cognition is a central concern in clinical practice. However, there are few standardized or validated tools, and many of them take too long, requiring screening tests.

Aims: To explore the convergent validity of the ACLS-5 with other cognitive screening test and functional independence test in a sample of people with acquired brain injury. Moreover, to examine the prediction of ACLS-5 on functioning and cognitive performance outcomes.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional design was applied following the guidelines of the STROBE checklist. A consecutive sample of people with acquired brain injury was recruited from rehabilitation centers. A cognitive screening test and daily living activity tests were implemented, such as ACLS-5, MoCA, Barthel, and FIM+FAM. Data were analyzed using non-parametric methods. In addition, a structural analysis and simple regression models were performed.

Results: Eighty patients with chronic acquired brain injury, with a mean age of 52, were recruited. All tests are significantly related to the ACLS-5 score, a moderate effect size for MoCA (ρ = 0.36), and a strong effect size for the other two (ρ > 0.50).

Conclusions: ACLS-5 predicts functional and cognitive performance quickly and effectively, optimizing assessment time and avoiding mental fatigue or physical exhaustion.

Keywords: ACLS-5; Acquired brain injury; activities of daily living; cognition; outcome assessment.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Brain Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries* / rehabilitation
  • Cognition
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged