Neurobiological perspective on the development of executive functions

Normative data for executive function tests in an Ecuadorian Waranka minority population

Objective: To generate normative data (ND) for executive functions tests in the Waranka minority population of Ecuador. Method: Four-hundred participants aged 6-17 completed the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Trail-Making Test (TMT), Modified-Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST), and Test of Colors-Words (STROOP). Scores were normed using multiple linear regressions, including age, age2, natural logarithm of mean parent education (MPE), sex, bilingualism, and two-way interactions as predictors. Results: Age by MPE and Age2 by MPE interactions arose for SDMT, so that children with illiterate parents scored lower than those with literate parents. Girls scored higher in SDMT. All TMT and M-WCST scores were influenced by age2. Age by MPE interaction was found for TMT-A, so that children with higher MPE went faster; and age by bilingualism interaction for TMT-B, so that more bilingual children needed less time. Stroop-Word and Color were influenced by age2 by MPE interaction, so that children, while older, scored higher, especially those with higher MPE. Also, age2 by sex interaction arose, so that girls increased scores curvilinearly while boys linearly. Word-Color was influenced by age, while Stroop-interference by age2. Age by MPE interaction was found for MCST-Categories and Perseveration, so that perseverations decreased to then increased, especially in those with illiterate parents. M-WCST-Category scores increased to then decrease later on age in children with illiterate parents. Z-scores calculated through indigenous ND were significantly lower than generated through non-indigenous norms. Conclusions: ND for minority populations are critical since Waranka sample performed worse when using non-indigenous norms for z-score calculation.

Evaluation instruments for executive functions in children and adolescents: an update of a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to update a systematic review of instruments for evaluating the executive functions (EFs) in a pediatric population to assess their measurement properties.

AREA COVERED

Studies describing evaluation tools of EFs were systematically searched on four electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science. To be included studies had to be on a population aged 0 to 18 were included. The individuals were either healthy or presented a neurodevelopment disorder. Risk of Bias was evaluated through the Consensus-based Standards to select the health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN).

EXPERT OPINION

The search was conducted on April 2023. Eighty-four papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; the studies refer to 72 different evaluation tools of EFs. Most of the studies analyzed through a methodological quality analysis received an 'adequate' score. The instrument most mentioned was the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF2) in seven articles.