Digital and traditional executive function assessment tools for healthy adults: a systematic review of psychometric properties

Objective : This systematic review examined executive function assessment tools (EFATs) for healthy adults, focusing on assessed constructs, psychometric properties, and suitability for online or Brazilian use. Methods : Following PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted in five databases and gray literature. Inclusion required studies reporting validity, reliability, or related metrics for EFATs applied to healthy adults. Results : Twenty-nine studies were included. Thirteen introduced novel tools; sixteen evaluated preexisting EFATs. Frequently assessed components were inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The most used tools were the Stroop, Digit Span, and Trail Making Test. Although digital EFATs predominated, only four had Brazilian versions. Conclusion : Most EFATs aligned with the three-component model of executive functions. Online tools, including serious games, represent a growing trend in cognitive assessment research. Further development and cross-cultural validation are needed in Brazil. Registration : PROSPERO (CRD42023459513)