The Bender-Gestalt Test: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The Bender-Gestalt test (Bender test), since its appearance, has been widely used to analyze visuomotor functions, perception and cognitive processes. However, it is often used in a variety of other contexts. The aim of this research is to study the use of the Bender test and the Bender-II, based on the results of studies conducted between 2013 and 2023. The search was carried out using inclusion and exclusion criteria and in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The databases consulted were Medline, Embase and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), with no language restrictions. Study selection criteria included three steps: title, abstract and full text. The heterogeneity of study results precluded meta-analysis. Sixty-two articles were retrieved through the electronic search, and after reviewing abstracts and reading full texts, 25 articles were considered to meet our inclusion criteria. Among these, studies reveal that the Bender test is particularly useful for diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In particular, several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in assessing visuomotor functions and visual perception, with mixed results regarding its sensitivity and specificity. Key findings include improved detection of cognitive impairment in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and a strong association between test performance and patients' neuropsychological status. In conclusion, although the Bender test is widely recognized and used in various clinical populations, its use remains subject to certain limitations. The main criticism concerns subjectivity in interpreting results and the variability of scores depending on cultural factors and the age of the individual.