Development and Validity Study of a Mobile Corsi Block Test for Visuospatial Working Memory in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background/Objectives: The Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) is a widely used measure of visuospatial working memory; however, its traditional paper-and-pencil administration is limited by inter-examiner variability in procedure and restricted accessibility. To address these limitations, the present study developed a Korean mobile version of the CBTT and examined its reliability and validity among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The CBTT was administered to 120 Community-Dwelling older adults. Participants were aged 65 years or older, had no neuropsychiatric disorders or visual impairments, and met the cognitive and depression screening criteria. The CBTT was compared with established standardized measures, including the Spatial Working Memory Test (SWMT), the Korean-Trail Making Test for the Elderly Type B (K-TMT-e Type B), and the Snellgrove Maze Test (SMT). Results: The internal consistency of the CBTT was acceptable (α = 0.767). The backward metrics, particularly the CBTT Backward Correct Responses, showed consistent significant correlations with all three criterion measures, whereas the forward metrics were largely non-significant. Correlation magnitudes were generally small to moderate. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the validity of the CBTT, particularly its backward metrics, as a measure of visuospatial working memory in older adults. However, the CBTT should currently be regarded as a preliminary assessment tool rather than a standalone diagnostic or screening instrument.