MeSA Test of Executive Functioning

Combine MeSA with IVA-2 CPT

The MeSA is decision support software that helps clinicians measure an individual’s Executive Control (EC) by assessing two components of EC: Attention Control (AC) and Cognitive Flexibility (CF). The concept of executive control is defined as the cognitive abilities necessary for the self-regulation of behavior and the achievement of purposeful goals. The MeSA tests are specifically designed to be included in evaluations that include an IVA-2 interpretative report. Examiners can now compare IVA-2 visual attention with the executive control strengths or weaknesses. Since many individuals with ADHD symptoms often also have deficits in executive functioning, the MeSA tests are considered likely to be of significant clinical value in any comprehensive ADHD evaluation that also includes the IVA-2. Using the IVA-2 report writing system, clinicians can complete an evaluation that includes the client’s clinical history, presenting symptoms, other psychological issues, clinical observations, rating scale results, and both the IVA-2 and MeSA test results. All reports can be easily modified using the built-in, MS Word compatible word processor.

Test Adults, Children and Adolescents

There are two versions of the test. The MeSA-AE  test is the Advanced Edition for use with individuals ages 15 to 89 and the MeSA-IE is the Intermediate Version that is appropriate for children ages 8 to 14. These two tests are based on versions of the well-known Trail Making test and are interactively administered by an examiner with the assistance of a step-by-step test administration guideline, scoring and timing app using either a Windows PC or an iPad.  A MeSA test generally takes less than 10 minutes and is administered under examiners’ supervision using the app to help guide them. Test results are automatically scored using standard scores based on a comprehensive normative database derived from research studies that included over 6,000 non-impaired adults and more than 1,400 “normal” children.  Standard, Detailed and Comprehensive MeSA interpretative reports are provided to help guide examiners in their interpretation of the Standard Analysis test results.

MeSA Test Validity

The MeSA-AE and IE test forms are exactly the same as the original Trail Making test developed for use by the United States Army years ago. Consequently, the validity of the MeSA tests is based on the numerous research studies using it completed during the past 70 years. For an overview of the relevant validity research for the MeSA-AE click here and for the MeSA-IE click here.

 

The Clinical Benefits of MeSA Tests Include:

  1. Comprehensive multi-study research-based norms corrected for the person’s exact age and education level
  2. Integration of MeSA and IVA-2 test results in IVA-2 reports
  3. Step-by-step guidance in providing easy-to-learn standardized test administration steps
  4. Less judgmental non-verbal corrective feedback (i.e., a buzzer)
  5. Computerized timing and error scoring
  6. Standardized scoring for easy comparison to IVA-2 and IQ test results
  7. Research based guidance for assessing the possibility of malingering
  8. The ability to differentiate in a relevant clinical way the different cognitive skills assessed by Test A (Attention Control) and Test B (Cognitive Flexibility) rather than using idiosyncratic ratio or difference scores based on raw test completion times
  9. A normative research-based standard score of overall test performance which is based on the combined time of Test A and B (Executive Control)
  10. The availability of alternative equivalent test forms for retesting
  11. Standard, Detailed, and Comprehensive interpretive reports that can be easily customized
  12. Freedom to administer MeSA tests at multiple locations using an iPad.

The MeSA-AE and IE tests require that they be administered under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional with expertise in the use and interpretation of psychological tests. The test is not intended to be used as a stand-alone diagnostic instrument. By itself, it does not identify the presence or absence of any clinical diagnosis. The function of this psychological test is to aid examiners as part of a comprehensive evaluation. For a sample of a clinician generated report that uses both the MeSA-AE with the IVA-2, click here.

 

Remote Testing Capability is Included

You have the freedom to administer the MeSA-AE or IE tests at multiple locations without any additional costs using your own iPad. The MeSA remote testing feature allows examiners to administer and score a test using an iPad.  Test data are automatically uploaded back to your PC and are accessible only from your “master” MeSA station license. Data are securely encrypted, and no PHI is stored on your iPad or online.

Here’s how it works: from your PC where the MeSA app is installed, you can select the option to “Assign Remote Testing Code” and generate codes for MeSA test remote administrations. Next, you need to install the MeSA-AE or MeSA-IE app (available on the iTunes store) on your iPad*. You can then enter these codes on the IOS app on your iPad to administer those tests in a different location. The iPad functions to help guide you in administering and scoring the test and no external mouse is needed. Once you have administered a test, the data will automatically upload back to your MeSA PC in the office.
*Requires an iPad 2, iPad Mini, iPad Pro or iPhone (running iOS 10.0 or higher). More information on setup of the Remote Test iPad can be found on our Support site.

The MeSA Tests…

  • assess executive function abilities.

  • are 10-minute psychological tests for use by qualified healthcare professionals.

  • provide a report writer that helps clinicians quickly and easily interpret test results.

  • help to assess possible malingering (MeSA-AE for adults 18+).

  • can easily be administered by a technician.

  • provide four unique interpretive reports to help the examiner to better understand their clients’ executive functioning abilities of attention control, cognitive flexibility and overall executive control.

  • include Standard and Comparative analyses that provide in-depth information in both table and graph format to help aid clinicians in interpreting the test scores and data.

The use of these psychological tests requires that they be administered under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. They are not intended to be used as standalone diagnostic instruments and by themselves do not identify the presence or absence of any clinical diagnosis. The function of these psychological tests is to aid examiners in making their diagnosis as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Normative Age Ranges

MeSA-IE ages 8 - 14

MeSA-AE ages 15 - 89

Getting Started

Try the software

View pricing / Purchase

Purchase Tests in MeSA

Qualification Form

MeSA FAQ

MeSA Research

2019 Test Billing Codes

Test Features

Executive Control Quotient

MeSA & Malingering

12 Key Features

Reports & Data Analysis

HIPAA Compliance

All of BrainTrain’s test products are HIPAA compliant. Databases are always encrypted, and users can also add their own password protection. In addition, for clinic and hospital settings, a test administrator can be set up. All important test activities are logged. Individual test records can easily be de-identified as needed. No test data are saved offsite or on the internet; the test database is encrypted on your PC system.

De-Identify Records

Remote Testing

Need to Test Remotely?
You have the freedom to administer the MeSA-AE or IE tests at multiple locations without any additional costs using your own iPad. The MeSA remote testing feature allows you to administer and score a test using your iPad to guide you by pre-printing the test forms needed. Test data are automatically uploaded back to your PC and are accessible only from your “master” MeSA Assist station license. Data are securely encrypted, and no PHI is stored on your iPad or online.

Here’s how it works: from your PC where the MeSA app is installed, you can select the option to “Assign Remote Testing Code” and generate codes for MeSA Assist test remote administrations. Next, you need to install the MeSA-AE or MeSA-IE app (available on the iTunes store) on your iPad. You can then enter these codes on the IOS app on your iPad to administer those tests in a different location. The iPad functions to help guide you in administering and scoring the test and no external mouse is needed. Once you have administered a test, the data will automatically upload back to your MeSA PC in the office. More information on setup of the Remote Test iPad can be found on our Support site

Technical Information

Test Qualifications

Please note that in accordance with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests, psychological testing software is available only to professionals who meet Level B psychological testing guidelines. To use MeSA, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Certification by or full active membership in a professional organization (ASHA, AOTA, APA, AERA, ACA, AMA, NASP, NAN, INS) that requires training and experience in a relevant area of assessment.

    • OR
  • A master’s degree in psychology, education, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, or in a field closely related to the intended use of the assessment, and formal training in the ethical administration, scoring, and interpretation of clinical assessments.

    • BrainTrain requires verification of your qualifications for purchase of and psychological tests.


    System Requirements

    Your computer must meet the following system requirements to use the testing system.

  • Pentium IV 2.0 GHz or faster processor
  • 1 GB free hard drive space
  • 2 GB of RAM or more
  • Windows 10 / Windows 11
  • DirectX 10 Compatible Video Card
  • CD/DVD ROM
  • 256 MB video memory
  • Color monitor
  • Sound card
  • External speakers or headphones
  • USB Mouse required
  • Internet access is required for activation and updates.


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