Tens Test manual
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Tens Test
Excel Scoring version 3.01
The Tens Test
A test of sustained and selective auditory concentration
The Tens Test (c) is an eight-minute auditory assessment that presents a sequence of spoken digits at three increasingly faster speeds (1.8, 1.4 and 1.0 seconds). The individual is required to promptly identify instances when they hear two consecutive digits that sum to ten. The test has 45 correct targets (i.e., the same 15 targets in each interval). Raw scores are the number of correct identifications (attentional capacity), and commission errors (indicative of impulsivity or confusion).
Evaluating attention is crucial for patients with neurological disorders, concussion, traumatic brain injury, and ADHD. Attention processing impairment may be an early indicator of dementia (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21937476/), making its inclusion in dementia assessments valuable. It also can be useful in research applications (e.g., pharmacological studies).
The Tens Test is designed for individuals from adolescence through adulthood. It is an excellent alternative to the PASAT which is a more stressful measure of concentration.
The Tens Test exhibits a lower correlation with mathematical aptitude compared to the PASAT. A study conducted among individuals with multiple sclerosis revealed that the Tens Test correlated with the count of enhancing brain lesions. Further details regarding the Tens Test are provided in the manual (accessible by clicking the icons).
Bicycle Drawing Test
The Bicycle Drawing Test (BDT) is a research instrument that offers a systematic methodology for assessing visuomotor capabilities utilizing a tangible object, which is not commonly employed in neuropsychological drawing or design copying assessments. This scoring system enables the evaluation of not only visuospatial abilities but also higher-order nonverbal reasoning through the Mechanical Reasoning component of the scoring system. The copying phase facilitates the comparison of a drawing produced from memory to one where the drawer has a model of a bicycle to replicate.
The Bicycle Drawing Test (BDT) is a revised scoring system, as described in Lezak’s book (Revised Scoring, Reliability, and Validity Investigations of Piaget’s Bicycle Drawing Test, Assessment March 1994 vol. 1 no. 1 89-101). This system includes a new copy option. Research conducted on this system has demonstrated its effectiveness in assessing both child and adult bicycle drawings.
A drawing of a bicycle from memory is first done and scored using the categories:
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Parts and Complexity
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Motor Control
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Spatial Relationships
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Mechanical Reasoning
The copy phase is then administered and provides additional information regarding drawing skills. Adult norms are currently available for the BDT Memory and Copy phases. A Compulsivity / Effort Index is available to assist in assessing the performance validity of the BDT Copy.
The Bicycle Drawing test materials are available upon request.
