Konectom™ cognitive processing speed test enables reliable remote, unsupervised cognitive assessment in people with multiple sclerosis: Exploring the use of substitution time as a novel digital outcome measure

Mult Scler. 2024 Aug;30(9):1193-1204. doi: 10.1177/13524585241259650. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Background: The Konectom™ smartphone-based cognitive processing speed (CPS) test is designed to assess processing speed and account for impact of visuomotor function on performance.

Objective: Evaluate reliability and validity of Konectom CPS Test, performed in clinic and remotely.

Methods: Data were collected from people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) aged 18-64 years and healthy control participants (HC) matched for age, sex, and education. Remote test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC); correlation with established clinical measures (Spearman correlation coefficients); group analyses between cognitively impaired/unimpaired PwMS; and influence of age, sex, education, and upper limb motor function on CPS Test measures were assessed.

Results: Eighty PwMS and 66 HC participated. CPS Test measures from remote tests had good test-retest reliability (ICC of 0.67-0.87) and correlated with symbol digit modalities test (highest |ρ| = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Remote measures were stable (change from baseline < 5%) and correlated with MS disability (highest |ρ| = 0.39, p = 0.0004) measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale. CPS Test measures displayed sensitivity to cognitive impairment (highest d = 1.47). Demographics and motor function had the lowest impact on CPS Test substitution time, a measure accounting for visuomotor function.

Conclusion: Konectom CPS Test measures provide valid, reliable remote measurements of cognitive processing speed in PwMS.

Keywords: Digital cognitive assessment; Konectom; cognition; digital health technology; multiple sclerosis; smartphone.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / physiopathology
  • Neuropsychological Tests* / standards
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Processing Speed
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Smartphone
  • Young Adult