Activity Selection Guide
Use this guide to match a client to the right Neurofit activity based on their cognitive profile, goals, and clinical population. All activities are available at activity.neurofit.ca or via the Homework tab in your dashboard.
At a glance: Trail Making vs. Nature Path
| Trail Making | Nature Path | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary domains | Executive function, processing speed, cognitive flexibility (set-shifting), attention, visual scanning | Working memory, sequential processing, visual discrimination, mental reversal, self-monitoring |
| Best for | Post-stroke, ABI/TBI, ASD, healthy aging / screening — when executive function or processing speed is the target | Post-stroke, ABI/TBI, ASD, MCI — when working memory or sequencing is the target |
| How it works | Connect numbered & lettered targets in alternating order (1 → A → 2 → B). The alternation rule is the core executive demand. | Memorize a colour, pattern & sequence, navigate the forward path, then complete it in reverse. The return-leg reversal is the core demand. |
| Make it easier | Allow unlimited Assist Function use | Allow full hints on both legs; focus on completion |
| Make it harder | Restrict hints entirely; track time as a secondary metric | Require the return leg with no hints |
| What to document | Accuracy, time to complete, Assist use, whether errors cluster early (planning), mid (attention) or late (fatigue) | Forward vs. return performance, hint use, error patterns, independent self-correction |
Choosing by clinical population
| Population | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Post-stroke / ABI | Either | Trail Making if executive function / processing speed is primary; Nature Path if working memory and home-program compliance matter (hints support independent use). |
| ASD | Either | Both suit structured, rule-based formats. Pair with caregiver input on the most functionally limiting area. |
| MCI | Nature Path first | Built-in scaffolding (hints) for early sessions; add Trail Making for time-based tracking of decline. |
| Healthy aging / prevention | Trail Making | Strong evidence base for age-related processing-speed and executive change. Administer consistently for a reliable baseline. |
When in doubt
Trail Making produces more standardized-feeling data and has a direct research lineage (TMT). Nature Path gives richer qualitative differentiation between forward and return performance. Many programs use both to build a multi-domain picture.
Adding new activities
As Neurofit adds activities, this guide is updated with an entry for each. Questions about which activity fits a specific client? Reach out via the in-platform chat.