Evaluation of Executive Functions of Children with Down Syndrome and Zika Virus Using Touch Screen Device : Cognitive evaluation of toddlers by touch-screen

Abstract

The evaluation of sensory, perceptual, cognitive and psychomotor functions is fundamental for the neuropsychological profile of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study developed and tested games for toddlers based on the analysis of cognitive and psychomotor skills and the application of the most appropriate functionalities, aiming to build a software to the participants' special needs. 107 toddlers divided into three groups being control group, toddlers born with Down syndrome and born with ZIKA virus, were evaluated for cognitive and psychomotor development. Two touch-screen games were developed to measure executive functions. Among all factors from both games, Proportion of Precision without Error in touch and Proportion of Hits without Repetitions of Smile Game achieved the best result to evaluate immediate performance and training effect. Balloon Game factors best indicators were Holding Time and Reaction Time, evidence for sustained attention and aim persistence. Cognitive and psychomotor skills influenced the final result differently for toddlers born with Down syndrome and ZIKA virus. The platform tested in this study proved to be efficient in evaluating and in training toddlers in executive functions. The calibration steps in the games' configuration allowed children with immaturity or impaired visomotor processing to develop skills while playing the touch-screen games.