The Daily Action Sequence Task: validity and predictability of a novel tool for assessing action sequence knowledge in patients with acquired brain injury

PURPOSE: Semantic action sequence knowledge (sASK), the ability to select and correctly order steps in everyday tasks, is a key component of daily functioning. Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) often show impairments in sASK, affecting independence. Few standardized tools assess this ability. This study examined the adequacy and preliminary validity of the Daily Action Sequence Task (DAST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six healthy participants and 27 individuals with ABI completed the DAST, which requires arranging the steps of 15 familiar daily activities in the correct order. Construct validity was assessed by comparing DAST performance between groups and examining associations with executive, attentional, and memory functions. Predictive validity was evaluated by testing whether DAST performance predicted cognitive errors during everyday activities. RESULTS: The DAST provided a benchmark of functional action sequences. Participants with ABI completed fewer correct sequences than controls, and DAST performance strongly predicted everyday cognitive functioning, outperforming a traditional cognitive screening tool. CONCLUSIONS: The DAST is a promising, easy-to-use tool for assessing sASK in individuals with ABI and may help identify difficulties in organizing everyday actions. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and fully evaluate its validity and reliability.