Functional assessment of executive abilities following traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: The Test of Functional Executive Abilities (TOFEA) is a measure of real-world planning/problem-solving abilities. The present study sought to identify the relationship between the TOFEA and traditional executive measures. Design: Correlational and principal components factor analyses were conducted using the TOFEA and traditional neuropsychological executive measures. Methods: Participants were 340 patients with traumatic brain injury. All participants underwent neuropsychological and speech-language assessments. Results: Factor analysis of the TOFEA yielded a two-factor solution, planning/initiation and awareness/ comprehension. Correlational analysis between the TOFEA and traditional measures demonstrated only a weak relationship. Factor analysis indicated a four factor executive solution with the TOFEA loading on the third planning/initiation and reasoning factor. Conclusions: The data support the notion that there is no one single measure of frontal-executive functioning, but rather these tests represent different executive components and, as such, more than one measure should be used in a comprehensive assessment.