Exertion Protocol
When using the materials, please cite them appropriately:
Materials:
Link to download (English) (external link, opens in a new window)
In this multidimensional exercise protocol, the sequences of three different exercise conditions are analysed: Cognitive Load (attention tests), Emotional Load (film footage) and Physical Load (ergometer) as well as a relaxation condition are presented. With the exception of the motor stress condition, which was only used in healthy subjects for logistical reasons, the cognitive and emotional stress conditions, as well as the relaxation condition, were also applied and evaluated in patients with post-COVID syndrome as part of a rehabilitation programme. Corresponding tests that typically depict fatigue and fatigability are listed in the individual sequences.
DIGI: Test to record digital competences
After the DILA comes the DIGI. To date, there are only a few practical test instruments for assessing skills in the use of digital devices in older adults and neurological patients. We have developed the "Digital Tools Test", or "DIGI" for short, to address this problem. The DIGI is a newly developed diagnostic tool that measures smartphone and tablet use skills, particularly in older adults and neurological populations.
The test focuses on everyday tasks such as making a call, using a messenger service or taking a photo. The DIGI is currently in the pilot phase.
When using the materials, please cite the appropriate place:
MANUAL: Randerath, J., Stoll, SEM., Hopfer K. & Bauer I. (2023). Digital Tools Test (DIGI): A brief manual (1 ed.). Konstanz: Lurija Institute at the University of Konstanz. Download (external link, opens in a new window):https://doi.org/10.48787/kops/352-2-5b947awxrl9d2 (external link, opens in a new window)
Studies:
DILA-S: Tests for the assessment of limb apraxia
The DILA-S and the downloads below include the following 6 subtests:
1. Imitation of Meaningless Gestures; 2. Imitation of Meaningful Gestures 3. Pantomime; 4. Familiar Tools Test, 5. Novel Tools Test (*Note: NTT materials currently used primarily in a research context); 6. NAT Breakfast Task (multi-step task)
When using the materials, please cite them appropriately:
- Randerath J., Buchmann I., Liepert J. & Büsching I. (2017). Diagnostic Instrument for Limb Apraxia (DILA-S). Manual (1st edition). University of Konstanz and Lurija Institute. Constance, Germany.
- Buchmann I. & Randerath J. (2017). Selection and application of familiar and novel tools in patients with left and right hemispheric stroke: Psychometrics and normative data. Cortex 94: 49-62
Download MATERIALS:
- Manual
- Booklet
- Profile: Download link
- Evaluation sheets: Download-Link
- Material/shopping list Familiar Tools Test and NAT breakfast task
- Example of sorting Familiar Tools
- Examples of sheet use
- Video examples for orientation, left hand: Familiar Tools Test, Novel Tools Test, Imitation ML, Imitation MF, pantomime, breakfast task (NAT)
TIP for apraxia diagnostics in 5 to 10 minutes:
Do you need a quick diagnosis? Of course, you can't carry out a comprehensive examination in just a few minutes, BUT you can focus on certain aspects. Suggestion: Make a selection from the subtests that seem most important for your context. Note: Each subtest has its own comparative values for healthy participants. Example:
Selection of gesture classics based on Georg Goldenberg: the imitation of 10 meaningless gestures and (or) the performance of the pantomime test with the help of 8 photos (photos because they facilitate task comprehension compared to verbal instructions, especially for aphasics).
Selection of object use: If you are looking for something closer to everyday life, we recommend the Familiar Tools Test (5 items). This assesses the selection and use of familiar objects. You can use the materials/shopping list (see Downloads, above) as a guide for obtaining the materials.
Fatigue protocol (over 3 days after exercise)
The fatigue protocol in English(link to download (external link, opens in a new window)) and German(link to download (external link, opens in a new window)) was created to record the perceived intensity of fatigue after physical, emotional or cognitive stress sessions or after relaxation phases. The fatigue protocol documents the perceived intensity of fatigue and stress on the day of the session itself and over a period of three days after the session. The assessment is made on a scale from 0 ("no fatigue/stress") to 4 ("very severe fatigue/stress"). The fatigue protocol distinguishes between emotional, cognitive and physical stress and exhaustion. The fatigue protocol has been used in post-COVID patients together with the stress protocol and is currently being evaluated.
When using the materials, please cite them appropriately:
Stress and fatigue questionnaire (FBE)
The FBE-S questionnaire on perceived stress and exhaustion is used to enquire about the stress experienced in the last hour and the currently experienced exhaustion with one item each. This is queried for 3 areas: cognition, motor skills and emotions. The FBE-S was developed for use during a resilience test. The questionnaire has so far been used in a study involving 73 patients with post-COVID and a healthy comparison sample of 58 gender- and age-matched individuals. The study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 (Tempfli et al. & Randerath, 2025, submitted). The development of the questionnaire was funded by the Zukunftskolleg of the University of Konstanz. The implementation of the study was funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science & Art. The English translation "QLF-S: Questionnaire on Perceived Load and Fatigue (State)" was developed at the University of Regensburg.
When using the material, please cite it in the appropriate place:
Tempfli, M., Eller, L. & Randerath, J. (2022). FBE-S: Questionnaire on perceived stress and fatigue (status). Germany. DOI: 10.5283/epub.76995
DOWNLOAD: FBE-S: https: (external link, opens in a new window)//epub.uni-regensburg.de/76995/ (external link, opens in a new window)
Tempfli, M., Eller, L. & Randerath, J. (2025). QLF-S: Questionnaire on Perceived Load and Fatigue (State). Germany. DOI: 10.5283/epub.76999
DOWNLOAD: QLF-S: https://epub.uni-regensburg.de/76999/ (external link, opens in a new window)
VATA-NAT: Questionnaire for the assessment of anosognosia in apractical tool use
Visual Analogue TestsAssessing Anosognosiain Apraxia of Common Tool-Use / Naturalistic Action Tasks
Download English evaluation form VATA-NAT: Frontiers Supplementary (external link, opens in a new window)
Ongoing project, preliminary revised version in German:
Buchmann I., & Randerath J. 2020, "German and revised version of the VATA-NAT (VATA-NAT-R) for the measurement of anosognosia in tool use disorders". University of Konstanz and Lurija Institute. Constance, Germany.DOWNLOAD-Link: Booklet VATA-NAT-Revised (for patients with left hemispheric damage)
DOWNLOAD-Link: VATA-NAT evaluation form (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)
For further English questionnaires from the original VATA series (e.g. on language and motor skills) see: https://giannacocchini.wixsite.com/gcpage/neuropsychological-tests (external link, opens in a new window)