Predicting executive function task scores with the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure.

The Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS) is one of the scoring methods of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). With BQSS, 17 qualitative ratings are generated, and subsequently 6 summary scores are calculated by combining several qualitative scores. Previously we showed that 5 of 6 BQSS summary scores were correlated with the scores of the several executive function tests in children. The objective of this study was to develop a new summary score which correlates with the executive function test scores more strongly than the existing summary scores. For this purpose, we conducted multiple regression analysis to predict PEN, CA, DSM of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Keio Version, and the Mazes scores from WISC-III, by the BQSS qualitative scores derived from ROCF drawings in copy condition. The subjects were 78 children with various neuropsychological disorders (5 years 5 months-14 years 11 months; mean: 9 years 2 months; F 22, M 56). Significant predictive models were generated for PEN, CA, and Mazes scores. Among them the models for the Mazes scores were the most accurate. The second model for the Mazes scores was most suitable for a new summary score. Its degree-of-freedom-adjusted coefficient of multiple determination and multiple correlation coefficient reached 0.467 and 0.695, respectively. A new summary score should be applied in future studies to evaluate its clinical usefulness.