Psychometric Calibration of a Tool Based on 360 Degree Videos for the Assessment of Executive Functions

Introduction: Over the last decades, interactive technologies appeared a promising solution in the ecological evaluation of executive functioning. We have developed the EXecutive-functions Innovative Tool 360 degrees (EXIT 360 degrees), a new instrument that exploits 360 degrees technologies to provide an ecologically valid assessment of executive functioning. Aim: This work wanted to evaluate the convergent validity of the EXIT 360 degrees, comparing it with traditional neuropsychological tests (NPS) for executive functioning. Methods: Seventy-seven healthy subjects underwent an evaluation that involved: (1) a paper-and-pencil neuropsychological assessment, (2) an EXIT 360 degrees session, involving seven subtasks delivered by VR headset, and (3) a usability assessment. To evaluate convergent validity, statistical correlation analyses were performed between NPS and EXIT 360 degrees scores. Results: The data showed that participants had completed the whole task in about 8 min, with 88.3% obtaining a high total score (> 12). Regarding convergent validity, the data revealed a significant correlation between the EXIT 360 degrees total score and all NPS. Furthermore, data showed a correlation between the EXIT 360 degrees total reaction time and timed neuropsychological tests. Finally, the usability assessment showed a good score. Conclusion: This work appears as a first validation step towards considering the EXIT 360 degrees as a standardized instrument that uses 360 degrees technologies to conduct an ecologically valid assessment of executive functioning. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the EXIT 360 degrees in discriminating between healthy control subjects and patients with executive dysfunctions.

Automated summary

This study developed a new instrument called EXIT 360 degrees, which utilizes 360 degrees technologies to provide an ecologically valid assessment of executive functioning, and compared it with traditional neuropsychological tests to evaluate its convergent validity. Through the evaluation of 77 healthy subjects, the results showed a significant correlation between the EXIT 360 degrees total score and all neuropsychological tests, as well as a correlation between the EXIT 360 degrees total reaction time and timed neuropsychological tests. The usability assessment also showed good results. In conclusion, this study serves as an initial validation step towards considering the EXIT 360 degrees as a standardized instrument for ecologically valid assessment of executive functioning, but further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness in discriminating between healthy control subjects and patients with executive dysfunctions.