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Fully Automated Test Gauges Processing Speed in MS
MS Mult Scler; ePub 2018 Aug 6; Patel, Shen, et al
The automated speech recognition version of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (auto-SDMT) is a sensitive measure for detecting processing speed deficits in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), according to a recent study. The test, the first entirely computer administrated oral response version of the SDMT, uses speech recognition technology, thereby eliminating the need for a human tester. A sample of 50 pwMS and 32 matched healthy control (HC) subjects was tested with the auto-SDMT and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). Researchers found:
- The percentages of MS participants impaired on the auto-SDMT and the traditional oral SDMT were 34% and 32%, respectively.
- Excellent convergent validity was found between the 2 tests (MS: r = −0.806 and HC: r = −0.629).
- The auto-SDMT had a similar sensitivity and specificity to the traditional oral SDMT in predicting overall impairment on the BICAMS.
Patel VP, Shen L, Rose J, Feinstein A. Taking the tester out of the SDMT: A proof of concept fully automated approach to assessing processing speed in people with MS. [Published online ahead of print August 6, 2018]. Mult Scler. doi:10.1177/1352458518792772.