RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The evaluation of functional cognition is a central concern in clinical practice. However, there are few standardized or validated tools, and many of them take too long, requiring screening tests. AIMS: To explore the convergent validity of the ACLS-5 with other cognitive screening test and functional independence test in a sample of people with acquired brain injury. Moreover, to examine the prediction of ACLS-5 on functioning and cognitive performance outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional design was applied following the guidelines of the STROBE checklist. A consecutive sample of people with acquired brain injury was recruited from rehabilitation centers. A cognitive screening test and daily living activity tests were implemented, such as ACLS-5, MoCA, Barthel, and FIM+FAM. Data were analyzed using non-parametric methods. In addition, a structural analysis and simple regression models were performed. RESULTS: Eighty patients with chronic acquired brain injury, with a mean age of 52, were recruited. All tests are significantly related to the ACLS-5 score, a moderate effect size for MoCA (ρ = 0.36), and a strong effect size for the other two (ρ > 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: ACLS-5 predicts functional and cognitive performance quickly and effectively, optimizing assessment time and avoiding mental fatigue or physical exhaustion.