Digital and Traditional Executive Function Assessment Tools (EFATs) for Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties

Objective: To examine the available data on executive function assessment tools (EFATs) for healthy adults with respect to the following: assessed constructs; reliability; validity; and other psychometric properties. This review also seeks to pinpoint the most employed EFATs in research, those adapted for the Brazilian population, and those suitable for online administration. Methods: This review adheres to the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted across the PsycNet, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and VHS databasesand relevant grayliterature. The primary search descriptors were executive functions, neuropsychological assessment, executive function assessment, healthy adults, and psychometric properties. Risk-of-bias assessment was performed for all reviewed studies. Results: This review encompasses 29 studies. Thirteen studies introduced novel EFATs with promising psychometrics, whereas16 evaluated preexisting EFATs. Three studies adapted tools into Brazilian Portuguese. The most targeted constructs were inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, processing speed, attentional control, verbal fluency, planning, episodic memory, and psychomotor abilities were also addressed. The most employed tools were the Stroop test, the digit span test, and the trail-making test. Most studies focused on digital tools, but only four had versions adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Conclusion: The findings revealed that the currently available EFATs are strongly based on the theory that EFs are composed ofthree primary components. Notably, online tools have emerged as a significant area of interest in neuropsychological research, as numerous studies are delving into online EF batteries and serious games for EF assessment. Systematic review registration : This review was previously registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42023459513).