Validation of a new neuropsychological test for processing speed

Validation and Standardization of the Consecutive-Letter Substitution Task (CST) Test in an Italian Population Sample

Observational IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT06066281

This study is testing a new brain test to see how well it measures how quickly people can process information, using healthy volunteers from Italy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment480 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
Trial IDNCT06066281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to validate the Consecutive-Letter Substitution Task (CST), a neuropsychological test designed to measure information processing speed. Healthy volunteers from the Italian population will undergo a series of standardized neuropsychological assessments, including the CST and other established tests, to compare their effectiveness. Participants will complete the CST twice, with a follow-up evaluation after 15 days to assess the test's reliability. The study is conducted at a single center, IRCCS San Raffaele in Milan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy Italian native speakers with no neurological or psychiatric diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance abuse or significant depressive symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a validated tool for assessing cognitive processing speed, which may improve diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the CST is a novel approach, similar neuropsychological tests have shown success in validating cognitive assessments.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Italian native speaker;
* No neurological and/or psychiatric diseases;
* Willing and able to comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of drug, alcohol or substance abuse;
* A score \> 9 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), which is the lower limit for mild depressive symptoms;
* Any person unable to understand and follow the instructions of the investigators.

Where this trial is running

Milan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Healthy VolunteersProcessing SpeedNeuropsychological TestsReference Standards
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.