Projects

Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT)

The Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) is a widely used cognitive test designed to assess sustained attention and reaction time. It is the de-facto gold standard for objectively assessing behavioral alertness and very sensitive to sleep loss and circadian misalignment. Furthermore, due to its simplicity, the PVT is not affected by aptitude or practice effects like the majority of other, more complex cognitive tests.

How it works?

The PVT measures response times to stimuli that are presented at random inter-stimulus intervals. The precise measurement of these response times is of critical importance for the validity of the PVT. The test records reaction times, lapses, false starts, etc.

Key Advantages

  • Sensitivity to Subtle Changes:

The PVT can detect even small impairments in attention and alertness.

  • Minimal Practice Effects:

Repeated testing with the PVT does not significantly affect performance, allowing for reliable longitudinal assessments.

  • Ease of Administration:

The PVT is a simple and straightforward test that can be administered in various settings.

Applications of PVT

  • Sleep Research
  • Occupational Settings
  • Medication Research
  • Aging Research
  • Sports and Exercise Science

Web-based PVT by NeuroUX

NeuroUX offers a web-based version of PVT which ca be administered on a smartphone web browser, enabling participants to perform the test on their devices without the need for app installation. The test can be accessed through a simple text message link.

Available Versions:

  • PVT (Standard Version):

This version replicates the traditional PVT with a 10-minute testing duration. It offers comprehensive data on sustained attention and reaction times, making it ideal for in-depth studies.

  • PVT-B (Brief Version):

Our PVT-B condenses the traditional format into a quick 3-minute assessment. While more compact, it retains the core features necessary for meaningful insights, offering a balance of efficiency and precision.

Both versions are accessible via our web-based platform, ensuring seamless integration into remote or in-lab studies.

Why Choose NeuroUX's PVT?

NeuroUX’s platform ensures researchers have the tools they need to conduct precise, reliable, and scalable studies:

  • Web-Based Platform: Cross-platform accessibility without the need for participants to download apps.
  • Accessibility Through Text Messages: Links sent via SMS with options for follow-up reminders.
  • Scalable for Large Studies: Convenient for large-scale studies with participants using personal devices.
  • Different Versions: Standard and brief formats to meet diverse research needs.
  • Integrated Tools: Seamless integration with NeuroUX’s suite of validated cognitive tests, EMA, and wearables.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Designed for simplicity, ensuring participants can easily complete the test without additional guidance.

Recommendations for Research Validity

To ensure reliable data, consider the following:

  • Within-Participant Changes: Ensure that each participant uses the same smartphone for all PVT sessions.
  • Between-Participant Changes: Ensure that all participants use the same smartphone model to standardize response time measurements.

Get Started with PVT

Ready to incorporate the Psychomotor Vigilance Test into your research? Contact us today to learn how NeuroUX’s web-based PVT can enhance your study design.

References:

Maximizing sensitivity of the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) to sleep loss

Authors: Mathias Basner, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2011
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Repeated Administration Effects on Psychomotor Vigilance Test Performance

Authors: Mathias Basner, Emanuel Hermosillo, Jad Nasrini, Sarah McGuire, Salil Saxena, Tyler M Moore, Ruben C Gur, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2018
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Validity and Sensitivity of a Brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-B) to Total and Partial Sleep Deprivation

Authors: Mathias Basner, Daniel Mollicone, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2011
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Response speed measurements on the psychomotor vigilance test: how precise is precise enough?

Authors: Mathias Basner, Tyler M Moore, Jad Nasrini, Ruben C Gur, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2021
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