Usability of the Assessment of Cognitive Function by the Digital Application Kids Brain Balancer

Hashimoto K

Published on: 2023-01-27

Abstract

Background: Intelligence tests have recently become popular assessment tools. It is worthwhile to develop a simple intelligence test utilizing information and communication technology.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the usability of the digital application “Kids Brain Balancer”.

Methods: The participants were 32 children aged 7–11 years who were receiving special education services. The participants were administered the Balancer and WISC-IV in the same setting.

Results: Among the 13 tasks in the Balancer, the index scores on the Count the Blocks and Flashing Lights tasks showed high correlations (0.7 ≤ r < 0.9) with the WISC-IV FSIQ and PRI. As for the sensitivity of each Balancer task for detecting intellectual disability, high sensitivity (≥0.7) was found for the Count the Blocks, Which Picture? Who am I? And Matching Words tasks. Regarding specificity for detecting intellectual disability, 11 tasks showed high specificity (≥0.7).

Conclusions: This study found that the Balancer can be useful as an assessment tool for cognitive function by comparing its index scores with the WISC-IV composite scores and demonstrated enough sensitivity and specificity to detect intellectual disability.