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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99334
Title: CONCURRENT VALIDITY AND TEMPORAL STABILITY OF THE CHILDREN'S COLOR TRAILS TEST 1 & 2 IN CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (AD/HD)

Author
item LLORENTE, ANTOLIN - BAYLOR COL MEDICINE
item VOIGT, ROBERT - BAYLOR COL MEDICINE
item BERRETTA, MARCIA - BAYLOR COL MEDICINE
item RENNI, KIMBERLY - TX A&M UNIV-COL STATION
item FRALEY, A - BAYLOR COL MEDICINE
item SATZ, PAUL - UNIV CA SCH MEDICINE
item D'ELIA, LOUIS - UNIV CA SCH MEDICINE
item Heird, William

Submitted to: Child Neuropsychology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/19/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This study evaluated the validity of the Children's Color Trails Test 1 and 2 as a measurement of inattention in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD.) This test is designed to provide a measurement of sustained visual attention, speed, sequencing and flexibility of thought processes by children with hyperactivity and attention problems. These investigators evaluated the test's validity among children age 6 to 12 years old who were enrolled in a study of dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on symptoms of inattention, poor impulse control and excessive movement. This test was checked against other methods of evaluating inattention, and was found to be a valid measure of assessing inattention in children with AD/HD. These results will be helpful to scientists in conjunction with future research, including nutrition-related pediatric studies such as those conducted at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center.

Technical Abstract: This study examined the concurrent validity and temporal stability of the Children's Color trails Test 1 and 2 in children (n=70) with AD.HD. Concurrent validity was assessed employing indices of attention from a computerized continuous performance test (Test of Variables of Attention, T.O.V.A.) and parent and teacher rating scales (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). Temporal stability (test-retest reliability) was assessed at 8- and 6-week intervals. The present findings revealed appropriate agreement between the Children's Color trails Test 1 and 2 and the T.O.V.A.'s reaction time and omission indices. Less robust agreement was evidenced between the Children's Color Trails Test 1 and 2 and subjective rating scales. The Children's Color Trails Test 1 and 2 exhibited appropriate temporal stability.