The Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test as an evaluative tool for executive functions after severe traumatic brain injury: A comparative study

Neuropsychological tests are often used to evaluate executive function (EF) deficits in patients suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This study compared the sensitivity of three such tests--namely, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test (D-KEFS ST), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Trail Making Test (TMT)--in differentiating between severe TBI patients and healthy controls. The differences between the two groups were significant for 5/5 variables evaluated through the D-KEFS ST, for 4/6 variables evaluated through the WCST, and for 2/2 variables evaluated through the TMT. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the variables "attempted sorts" in the D-KEFS ST and completion time in Part B of the TMT were the most powerful predictors of group assignment, with cutoff points of 9.5 sorts and 84.5 seconds, respectively. Our results highlight the possible value of the D-KEFS ST in the evaluation of postinjury EF deficits in TBI patients.