Validation of the Israeli Version of the rivermead behavioral memory test for children following acquired brain injury

OBJECTIVE:: To further validate the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test for Children (RBMT-C) for use in children with acquired brain injury (ABI). We hypothesized that the RBMT-C could differentiate between children with and without ABI. We also hypothesized that construct validity would be supported by significant correlations with additional cognitive tests. METHOD:: A total of 58 children (6-11 years old), comprising 29 children diagnosed as having ABI (15 girls, 14 boys) and 29 healthy children (15 girls, 14 boys), participated. Children were administered the RBMT-C and the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Children (DOTCA-Ch). The Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) was completed by the staff members. RESULTS:: There were significant differences in memory between children with ABI and the healthy children [t (35) = 4.94, P < .00]. Significant correlations were found between memory as measured by the RBMT-C and cognitive status as measured by the DOTCA-Ch, as well as cognitive function scores in the WeeFIM supporting convergent validity. Nonsignificant correlations were found between the motor function scores (WeeFIM) and the memory scores (RBMT-C), supporting divergent validity. CONCLUSIONS:: The study results suggest that the RBMT-C can differentiate between children with and without memory difficulties. However, further studies are needed to establish the Israeli version validity.