Validity and reliability of the online useful field of view test among community-dwelling older adults.

Background: The Useful Field of View Test (UFOV®) is a widely used measure of processing speed and visual attention that predicts driving performance and other functional abilities among older adults. We examined the reliability and validity of a new UFOV® version adapted for online administration.

Method: Community-dwelling older adults (N = 69, M = 73 years of age) completed the personal computer (PC) and online versions of the UFOV® at baseline and approximately 4 months later (registered at https://osf.io/7utgw). Participants also completed baseline measures of cognitive, motor, and visual function (i.e. Flanker, Timed Up and Go Test, and near visual acuity). Pearson correlations were used to examine the validity and reliability for the total and subtest scores of the online UFOV® version relative to the PC version. Convergent and divergent validity was examined by comparing correlations between both the UFOV® versions and measures of cognitive, motor, and visual function.

Results: UFOV® total, divided attention, and selective attention subtest scores of the online and PC versions were significantly correlated with moderate to strong effect sizes, rs = 0.39-0.54, ps < .001, supporting evidence for the validity of the online version. The online and PC versions of UFOV® were similarly related to gait speed, indicating convergent validity. Both versions of the UFOV® were distinct from near visual acuity, indicating divergent validity. The online UFOV® total and selective attention subtest scores from baseline to posttest were significantly correlated, indicating test-retest reliability, rs = 0.64-0.72, ps ≤ .006. Lack of variability among processing speed subtest scores restricted analyses, as performance was highly consistent across time.

Discussion: These data support the validity and reliability of the online UFOV®, particularly for the total and selective attention subtest scores. Future research should confirm the online UFOV® similarly predicts driving and other aspects of functional performance among older adults.