Neuropsychological batteries comprise a series of tests and trials that evaluate different neuropsychological functions, such as perceptual organization, visual function, language, motor skills, perception, writing, etc.

In this article we will learn about the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNTB) , a tool of the American mainstream. We will explain its most important features and discuss the 9 tests it includes.

Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery: what it is, and features

The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNTB) comes from the American mainstream. Unlike the European stream (with the Luria Battery as a typical test), which focuses on a qualitative evaluation, the American stream focuses on a quantitative evaluation.

Together with the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) , this battery constitutes one of the most advanced tests to determine whether or not there is organic brain damage . In addition, both allow the location of the damage to be determined quite precisely, should it exist.

What do you evaluate?

The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery is applied to subjects over 15 years of age , and is used to detect neurological and psychiatric disorders, based on the evaluation of a wide range of neuropsychological functions.

It allows the analysis of the verbal, manipulative, sequential and spatial skills of the individual, among others . The results obtained from it also allow us to differentiate subjects with brain damage from healthy subjects.

On the other hand, the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery includes a Deterioration Index that encompasses the first 5 tests (of categories, tactile execution, rhythm, sound perception and tapping), which we will see later on. If the subject scores less than 0.4, it is considered an indication of brain injury.

Tests that are part of it

The battery is made up of 9 different tests, which are its parts. We will see them below.

1. Category test

The first test or Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery test examines the subject’s ability to establish general principles from experience provided by relevant information.

2. Touch performance test

This test explores the subject’s speed and motor coordination . In this test, 10 different figures are superimposed (each in a gap).

The task consists of inserting a given figure into the corresponding orifice or hole, blindfolded. First, the examinee must perform the task using his or her “preferred” hand, and then the other hand. Finally, use both.

3. Seashore rhythm test

The Seashore test evaluates non-verbal auditory perception, sustained attention and concentration . These functions appear altered in certain brain injuries.

The test consists of 30 sounds; each consists of 2 rhythmic patterns. The task of the subject is to indicate, for each element, whether the patterns are the same or different from each other. The score of this test is based on the number of errors made during its application.

4. Sound (or nonsense) perception test

The fourth test assesses audio-verbal perception and attention . It consists of 6 parts; each is made up of 10 elements. In each item, the examinee listens through a tape to a nonsense word; he/she must recognize it among the 4 that compose each element (they are presented in written form to the subject).

5. Tapping test

Evaluates speed and motor coordination in the right and left hand . In other words, it is a test of motor speed. The subject must use his index finger to press a lever connected to a manual counter.

6. Indiana-Reitan Aphasia Test

This test is indicated to evaluate disorders of expressive or receptive language, deficits in the processes of reading and writing and numerical calculation . It is made up of 42 elements.

7. Sensitive-perceptive test

The seventh test of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery evaluates tactile perception through numbers and objects, as well as visual and auditory perception .

It consists of: perception with bilateral stimulation, recognition of fingers by tactile stimulation, perception of numbers written on the fingertips and tactile recognition of shapes such as a square, a cross or a triangle.

8. Lateral dominance

Assesses the lateral dominance of the hand, foot and eye (which are the dominant ones). It also analyses the capabilities of the non-dominant hand.

9. Tracing test

The latest Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery test assesses number and letter comprehension ability, as well as scanning ability (on a sheet of paper), processing speed and cognitive flexibility.

It consists of two parts, A and B. Part A is made up of 25 circles distributed on a sheet, numbered from 1 to 25. The examinee is asked to connect the circles, as quickly as possible, by drawing a line between them (in numerical order).

Part B consists of 25 circles as well, this time containing numbers and letters. The aim is to alternate the letters and numbers in numerical and alphabetical order (i.e. A1, B2, C3,…), until all the circles are joined.

Neuropsychological functioning

As we have seen, the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, broadly speaking, evaluates the neuropsychological functioning of the individual. But what does that functioning entail? In fact, refers to the brain’s ability to process, interpret and manage information coming from the outside and received through the senses.

Specifically, the battery is used primarily to evaluate people with some type of brain damage (or suspicion of it). In addition, it provides useful information regarding the possible cause of the damage.

In addition to this information, information related to the severity of the impairment, and to “strong” or intact brain areas or functions, may be useful in designing appropriate cognitive neurorehabilitation plans for each patient.

Bibliographic references:

  • Ávila, A. (1997). Evaluation in Clinical Psychology I and II. Amarú. Salamanca.
  • Bausela, E. (2008). Neuropsychological assessment in adult population: neuropsychological environments, instruments and batteries. Rev. Reflections, 87(2): 163-174.
  • Cohen, R.J., Swerdlik, M.E. (2002) Psychological testing and assessment. McGraw-Hill. Madrid.