Adapting the rivermead behavioural memory test extended version (RBMT-E) for people with restricted mobility

Objectives. The study aimed to facilitate use of the RBMT-E with people who have impaired mobility by devising substitute tasks for the route and mess age subtests that do not require the individual to move around, and by pres enting normative data for these substitute tasks. Design. A within-subjects design was used to assess a standardization sampl e. Participants completed two parallel versions of the tasks in counter-bal anced order in two test sessions approximately 1 week apart. Methods. Substitute versions of the route and message subtests not requirin g the individual to move around the test room were devised using commercial ly available materials. These were administered to participants along with other RBMT-E subtests. Scores for each version were compared for the group as a whole and for subgroups divided according to age, gender and IQ. Based on the results, profile scores were derived for each task using box plot a nalysis. The participants (N = 111) were part of the standardization sample for the RBMT-E and comprised consecutive series of recruits in two centres , Cambridge (UK) and Sydney (Australia) Results. Normative data are presented in the form of mean scores for the gr oup as a whole, for men and women, for people aged under 30, 30 to 50, and over 50 years, and for people with an IQ of either 90-110 or over 110. Prof ile score transformations for the substitute tasks are provided. Conclusions. Where mobility problems preclude the use of the route and mess age subtests of the RBMT-E, the 'model' tasks described here can be substit uted and profile scores calculated. This allows clinicians to obtain a full spectrum of subtest scores for the RBMT-E with mobility-impaired patients, thus allowing the calculation of a total profile score.