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Motomura K, Amimoto K, Numao T, Kaneko F. Effects of a Stimulus Response Task Using Virtual Reality on Unilateral Spatial Neglect: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:1449-1457. [PMID: 38750715 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of a stimulus response task using virtual reality (VR) for unilateral spatial neglect (USN). DESIGN Double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING Acute phase hospital where stroke patients are hospitalized. PARTICIPANTS The participants were 42 patients (N=42) with right-hemisphere cerebral damage who had been experiencing USN in their daily lives. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a stimulus response task with a background shift (SR+BS group), a stimulus response task without a background shift (SR group), and an object gazing task (control group). INTERVENTIONS The stimulus response task was to search for balloons that suddenly appeared on the VR screen. A background shift was added to highlight the search in the neglected space. The control task was to maintain a controlled gaze on a balloon that appeared on the VR screen. The intervention period was 5 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the participants' scores on a stimulus-driven attention test (SAT) using the reaction time. The stimuli of the SAT were divided into 6 blocks of 3 lines on each side (-3 to +3). The secondary outcomes were their scores on the Behavioral Intention Test conventional, Catherine Bergego Scale, and straight ahead pointing tests. RESULTS In the SAT, there were significant interaction effects of reaction time between time and group factors in left-2, right+2, and right+3. The SR+BS and SR groups showed significant improvements in the reaction time of left-2 and right+3 compared with the control group. Moreover, the SR+BS group showed a significant improvement in the reaction time of left-2, which was the neglected space, compared with the SR group. However, there were no significant interaction effects of Behavioral Intention Test conventional, Catherine Bergego Scale, and straight ahead pointing. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the use of stimulus response tasks using VR combined with background shifts may improve left-sided USN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Motomura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Mishuku Hospital, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan; Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazu Amimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sendai Seiyo Gakuin College, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Taku Numao
- Department of Physical Therapy, Japanese School of Technology for Social Medicine, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fuminari Kaneko
- Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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Terruzzi S, Albini F, Massetti G, Etzi R, Gallace A, Vallar G. The Neuropsychological Assessment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect Through Computerized and Virtual Reality Tools: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:363-401. [PMID: 36913099 PMCID: PMC10009867 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Unilateral Spatial Neglect is a disabling neuropsychological deficit. Patients with spatial neglect fail to detect and report events, and to perform actions in the side of space contralateral to a hemispheric cerebral lesion. Neglect is assessed by evaluating the patients' abilities in daily life activities and by psychometric tests. Computer-based, portable and Virtual Reality technologies may provide more and precise data, and be more sensitive and informative, compared to current paper-and-pencil procedures. Studies since 2010, in which such technologies have been used, are reviewed. Forty-two articles meeting inclusion criteria are categorized according to their technological approaches (computer-, graphics tablet or tablet-, virtual reality-based assessment, and other). The results are promising. However, a definite golden standard, technologically based procedure cannot be still established. Developing technologically based tests is a laborious process, which requires technical and user experience improvements as well as normative data, to increase the evidence of efficacy for clinical evaluation of at least some of the tests considered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Terruzzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy.
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
- Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Center (CeRiN), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
| | - Federica Albini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gemma Massetti
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Etzi
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Gallace
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vallar
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, Milan, 20126, Italy.
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
- Neuropsychological Laboratory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
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Sotokawa T, Nasu S, Ikuta J, Sonohara K. Evaluation of driving fitness using driving simulators in patients with right-hemisphere damage: an unmatched case-control study. Top Stroke Rehabil 2024; 31:167-177. [PMID: 37454345 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2023.2235797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with right hemisphere damage (RHD) may exhibit mild unilateral spatial neglect (USN), which is difficult to detect in general assessments performed during driving rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES We compared driving simulator performance, practical driving performance, and neuropsychological test results between patients with RHD who were able and unable to return to driving to predict driving fitness based on driving simulator performance. METHODS This unmatched case-control study included 29 patients with RHD who were able (return-to-driving group, n = 16) and unable (non-return-to-driving group, n = 13) to return to driving. Patient demographics, motor function, attention, driving simulator performance (participants' reaction time and rate to green lamps appearing in any of the three displays and average lane position), and practical driving performance were compared between the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the predictive performance of driving fitness in reaction rate and paper-and-pencil tests. RESULTS The non-return-to-driving group had a significantly lower reaction rate than the return-to-driving group (p = 0.027; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0-7; r = 0.407). No significant difference in reaction time or lane position in either the left or right lane during driving simulation was observed. ROC analysis of the reaction rate in the driving simulator task showed sensitivity of 0.692, specificity of 0.812, and area under the curve of 0.738 [95% CI, 0.541-0.935]. CONCLUSIONS Decreases in reaction rates during simulated driving assessments are associated with an inability to resume driving in patients with RHD. Such assessments may aid in predicting fitness for driving in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Sotokawa
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Niigata Rehabilitation Hospital, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Niigata University Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Satonori Nasu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nakaizu Rehabilitation Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Junichi Ikuta
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nakaizu Rehabilitation Center, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sonohara
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kikyogahara Hospital, Nagano, Japan
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Uimonen J, Villarreal S, Laari S, Arola A, Ijäs P, Salmi J, Hietanen M. Virtual reality tasks with eye tracking for mild spatial neglect assessment: a pilot study with acute stroke patients. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1319944. [PMID: 38348259 PMCID: PMC10860750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1319944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Increasing evidence shows that traditional neuropsychological tests are insensitive for detecting mild unilateral spatial neglect (USN), lack ecological validity, and are unable to clarify USN in all different spatial domains. Here we present a new, fully immersive virtual reality (VR) task battery with integrated eye tracking for mild visual USN and extinction assessment in the acute state of stroke to overthrow these limitations. Methods We included 11 right-sided stroke patients and 10 healthy controls aged 18-75 years. Three VR tasks named the Extinction, the Storage and the Shoot the target tasks were developed to assess USN. Furthermore, neuropsychological assessment examining various parts of cognitive functioning was conducted to measure general abilities. We compared VR and neuropsychological task performance in stroke patients - those with (USN+, n = 5) and without USN (USN-, n = 6) - to healthy controls (n = 10) and tentatively reported the usability of VR system in the acute state of stroke. Results Patients had mostly mild neurological and USN symptoms. Nonetheless, we found several differences between the USN+ and healthy control groups in VR task performance. Compared to controls, USN+ patients showed visual extinction and asymmetry in gaze behavior and detection times in distinct spatial locations. Extinction was most evident in the extrapersonal space and delayed detection times on the extreme left and on the left upper parts. Also, USN+ patients needed more time to complete TMT A compared with USN- patients and TMT B compared with controls. VR system usability and acceptance were rated high; no relevant adverse effects occurred. Conclusion New VR technology with eye tracking enables ecologically valid and objective assessment methods with various exact measures for mild USN and thus could potentially improve future clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Uimonen
- Department of Neuropsychology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Villarreal
- Department of Neuropsychology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siiri Laari
- Department of Neuropsychology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Arola
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Ijäs
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Salmi
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Marja Hietanen
- Department of Neuropsychology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Thomasson M, Perez-Marcos D, Crottaz-Herbette S, Brenet F, Saj A, Bernati T, Serino A, Tadi T, Blanke O, Ronchi R. An immersive virtual reality tool for assessing left and right unilateral spatial neglect. J Neuropsychol 2024. [PMID: 38225801 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The reported rate of the occurrence of unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is highly variable likely due to the lack of validity and low sensitivity of classical tools used to assess it. Virtual reality (VR) assessments try to overcome these limitations by proposing immersive and complex environments. Nevertheless, existing VR-based tasks are mostly focused only on near space and lack analysis of psychometric properties and/or clinical validation. The present study evaluates the clinical validity and sensitivity of a new immersive VR-based task to assess USN in the extra-personal space and examines the neuronal correlates of deficits of far space exploration. The task was administrated to two groups of patients with right (N = 28) or left (N = 11) hemispheric brain lesions, also undergoing classical paper-and-pencil assessment, as well as a group of healthy participants. Our VR-based task detected 44% of neglect cases compared to 31% by paper-and-pencil tests in the total sample. Importantly, 30% of the patients (with right or left brain lesions) with no clear sign of USN on the paper-and-pencil tests performed outside the normal range in the VR-based task. Voxel lesion-symptom mapping revealed that deficits detected in VR were associated with lesions in insular and temporal cortex, part of the neural network involved in spatial processing. These results show that our immersive VR-based task is efficient and sensitive in detecting mild to strong manifestations of USN affecting the extra-personal space, which may be undetected using standard tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Thomasson
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Neuropsychology Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Cognitive and Experimental Neuropsychology Laboratory, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sonia Crottaz-Herbette
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neuropsychology and Neurorehabilitation Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Arnaud Saj
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- CRIR/Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille du CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
- Spectre Biotech, Paris, France
| | - Thérèse Bernati
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Serino
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- MySpace Lab, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute and Brain-Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tej Tadi
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute and Brain-Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Ronchi
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Neuropsychology Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuro-X Institute and Brain-Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
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Painter DR, Norwood MF, Marsh CH, Hine T, Harvie D, Libera M, Bernhardt J, Gan L, Zeeman H. Immersive virtual reality gameplay detects visuospatial atypicality, including unilateral spatial neglect, following brain injury: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:161. [PMID: 37996834 PMCID: PMC10668447 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01283-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In neurorehabilitation, problems with visuospatial attention, including unilateral spatial neglect, are prevalent and routinely assessed by pen-and-paper tests, which are limited in accuracy and sensitivity. Immersive virtual reality (VR), which motivates a much wider (more intuitive) spatial behaviour, promises new futures for identifying visuospatial atypicality in multiple measures, which reflects cognitive and motor diversity across individuals with brain injuries. METHODS In this pilot study, we had 9 clinician controls (mean age 43 years; 4 males) and 13 neurorehabilitation inpatients (mean age 59 years; 9 males) recruited a mean of 41 days post-injury play a VR visual search game. Primary injuries included 7 stroke, 4 traumatic brain injury, 2 other acquired brain injury. Three patients were identified as having left sided neglect prior to taking part in the VR. Response accuracy, reaction time, and headset and controller raycast orientation quantified gameplay. Normative modelling identified the typical gameplay bounds, and visuospatial atypicality was defined as gameplay beyond these bounds. RESULTS The study found VR to be feasible, with only minor instances of motion sickness, positive user experiences, and satisfactory system usability. Crucially, the analytical method, which emphasized identifying 'visuospatial atypicality,' proved effective. Visuospatial atypicality was more commonly observed in patients compared to controls and was prevalent in both groups of patients-those with and without neglect. CONCLUSION Our research indicates that normative modelling of VR gameplay is a promising tool for identifying visuospatial atypicality after acute brain injury. This approach holds potential for a detailed examination of neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Painter
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Michael F Norwood
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - Chelsea H Marsh
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor Hine
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Harvie
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Allied Health and Human Performance, Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation in Health (IIMPACT in Health), University South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marilia Libera
- Psychology Department, Logan Hospital, Logan, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie Bernhardt
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Leslie Gan
- Rehabilitation Unit, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Heidi Zeeman
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
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Saceleanu VM, Toader C, Ples H, Covache-Busuioc RA, Costin HP, Bratu BG, Dumitrascu DI, Bordeianu A, Corlatescu AD, Ciurea AV. Integrative Approaches in Acute Ischemic Stroke: From Symptom Recognition to Future Innovations. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2617. [PMID: 37892991 PMCID: PMC10604797 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the high prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases nowadays, acute ischemic stroke stands out, representing a significant worldwide health issue with important socio-economic implications. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are important milestones for the management of this multifaceted pathology, making understanding the various stroke-onset symptoms crucial. A key role in acute ischemic stroke management is emphasizing the essential role of a multi-disciplinary team, therefore, increasing the efficiency of recognition and treatment. Neuroimaging and neuroradiology have evolved dramatically over the years, with multiple approaches that provide a higher understanding of the morphological aspects as well as timely recognition of cerebral artery occlusions for effective therapy planning. Regarding the treatment matter, the pharmacological approach, particularly fibrinolytic therapy, has its merits and challenges. Endovascular thrombectomy, a game-changer in stroke management, has witnessed significant advances, with technologies like stent retrievers and aspiration catheters playing pivotal roles. For select patients, combining pharmacological and endovascular strategies offers evidence-backed benefits. The aim of our comprehensive study on acute ischemic stroke is to efficiently compare the current therapies, recognize novel possibilities from the literature, and describe the state of the art in the interdisciplinary approach to acute ischemic stroke. As we aspire for holistic patient management, the emphasis is not just on medical intervention but also on physical therapy, mental health, and community engagement. The future holds promising innovations, with artificial intelligence poised to reshape stroke diagnostics and treatments. Bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and clinical practice remains a challenge, urging continuous collaboration and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicentiu Mircea Saceleanu
- Neurosurgery Department, Sibiu County Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania;
- Neurosurgery Department, “Lucian Blaga” University of Medicine, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
- Department of Vascular Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 020022 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horia Ples
- Centre for Cognitive Research in Neuropsychiatric Pathology (NeuroPsy-Cog), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300736 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Razvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Horia Petre Costin
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Gabriel Bratu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - David-Ioan Dumitrascu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Andrei Bordeianu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Antonio Daniel Corlatescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad Ciurea
- Department of Neurosurgery, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-A.C.-B.); (H.P.C.); (B.-G.B.); (D.-I.D.); (A.B.); (A.D.C.); (A.V.C.)
- Neurosurgery Department, Sanador Clinical Hospital, 010991 Bucharest, Romania
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Shin JH, Kim M, Lee JY, Kim MY, Jeon YJ, Kim K. Feasibility of hemispatial neglect rehabilitation with virtual reality-based visual exploration therapy among patients with stroke: randomised controlled trial. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1142663. [PMID: 37152602 PMCID: PMC10157074 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1142663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hemispatial neglect (HSN) was diagnosed using a virtual reality-based test (FOPR test) that explores the field of perception (FOP) and field of regard (FOR). Here, we developed virtual reality-visual exploration therapy (VR-VET) combining elements from the FOPR test and visual exploration therapy (VET) and examined its efficacy for HSN rehabilitation following stroke. Methods Eleven participants were randomly assigned to different groups, training with VR-VET first then waiting without VR-VET training (TW), or vice versa (WT). The TW group completed 20 sessions of a VR-VET program using a head-mounted display followed by 4 weeks of waiting, while the WT group completed the opposite regimen. Clinical HSN measurements [line bisection test (LBT), star cancellation test (SCT), Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS), CBS perceptual-attentional (CBS-PA), and CBS motor-explanatory (CBS-ME)] and FOPR tests [response time (RT), success rate (SR), and head movement (HM) for both FOP and FOR] were assessed by blinded face-to-face assessments. Results Five and six participants were allocated to the TW and WT groups, respectively, and no dropout occurred throughout the study. VR-VET considerably improved LBT scores, FOR variables (FOR-RT, FOR-SR), FOP-LEFT variables (FOP-LEFT-RT, FOP-LEFT-SR), and FOR-LEFT variables (FOR-LEFT-RT, FOR-LEFT-SR) compared to waiting without VR-VET. Additionally, VR-VET extensively improved FOP-SR, CBS, and CBS-PA, where waiting failed to make a significant change. The VR-VET made more improvements in the left hemispace than in the right hemispace in FOP-RT, FOP-SR, FOR-RT, and FOR-SR. Conclusion The observed improvements in clinical assessments and FOPR tests represent the translatability of these improvements to real-world function and the multi-dimensional effects of VR-VET training. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03463122, identifier NCT03463122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Ho Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingyu Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeong Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jeon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanguk Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Kwanguk Kim,
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Martino Cinnera A, Bisirri A, Chioccia I, Leone E, Ciancarelli I, Iosa M, Morone G, Verna V. Exploring the Potential of Immersive Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect Due to Stroke: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111589. [PMID: 36421913 PMCID: PMC9688364 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review aims to explore the use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in the treatment of visual perception in Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) after a stroke. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Pedro databases were searched, from inception to 1 February 2022. All studies that investigated the effect of IVR on USN, such as outcome in the stroke population, have been included. The current comprehensive systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations and was registered in the PROSPERO database [CRD42022311284]. Methodological quality was assessed through JBI critical appraisal tool. A total of 436 articles were identified through the database searches. A total of 10 articles, with a heterogeneous study design, which involved 77 patients with USN with low-to-moderate methodological quality, have been selected. Five out the included studies tested usability of IVR for assessed or treated visual perception deficits in USN, comparing the results with 134 healthy subjects. In the rest of studies that tested IVR such as treatment, three showed statistical positive results (p < 0.05) in visual perception outcome. To date, the literature has suggested the potential benefits in the use of IVR for the treatment of visual perception disorders in USN. Interestingly, IVR motivates patients during the rehabilitation process improving compliance and interest. The heterogeneity in the studies’ design and in IVR treatments indicate the need of future investigations in the consideration of potentiality and low-cost of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Martino Cinnera
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Chioccia
- Faculty of “Medicine and Surgery”, Degree Course in Speech Therapy, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Leone
- School of Allied Health Professions, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Irene Ciancarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Iosa
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, 67039 Sulmona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34762453229
| | - Valeria Verna
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Giannakou I, Lin D, Punt D. Computer-based assessment of unilateral spatial neglect: A systematic review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:912626. [PMID: 36061603 PMCID: PMC9437703 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.912626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, no gold standard exists for the assessment of unilateral spatial neglect (USN), a common post-stroke cognitive impairment, with limited sensitivity provided by currently used clinical assessments. Extensive research has shown that computer-based (CB) assessment can be more sensitive, but these have not been adopted by stroke services yet. Objective We conducted a systematic review providing an overview of existing CB tests for USN to identify knowledge gaps and positive/negative aspects of different methods. This review also investigated the benefits and barriers of introducing CB assessment tasks to clinical settings and explored practical implications for optimizing future designs. Methodology We included studies that investigated the efficacy of CB neglect assessment tasks compared to conventional methods in detecting USN for adults with brain damage. Study identification was conducted through electronic database searches (e.g., Scopus), using keywords and standardized terms combinations, without date limitation (last search: 08/06/2022). Literature review and study selection were based on prespecified inclusion criteria. The quality of studies was assessed with the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool (Quadas-2). Data synthesis included a narrative synthesis, a table summarizing the evidence, and vote counting analysis based on a direction of effect plot. Results A total of 28 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. According to our results, 13/28 studies explored CB versions of conventional tasks, 11/28 involved visual search tasks, and 5/28 other types of tasks. The vote counting analysis revealed that 17/28 studies found CB tasks had either equal or higher sensitivity than conventional methods and positive correlation with conventional methods (15/28 studies). Finally, 20/28 studies showed CB tasks effectively detected patients with USN within different patient groups and control groups (17/28). Conclusions The findings of this review provide practical implications for the implementation of CB assessment in the future, offering important information to enhance a variety of methodological issues. The study adds to our understanding of using CB tasks for USN assessment, exploring their efficacy and benefits compared to conventional methods, and considers their adoption in clinical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Giannakou
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Lin
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - David Punt
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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11
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Cavedoni S, Cipresso P, Mancuso V, Bruni F, Pedroli E. Virtual reality for the assessment and rehabilitation of neglect: where are we now? A 6-year review update. VIRTUAL REALITY 2022; 26:1663-1704. [PMID: 35669614 PMCID: PMC9148943 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-022-00648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a frequent repercussion of a cerebrovascular accident, typically a stroke. USN patients fail to orient their attention to the contralesional side to detect auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli, as well as to collect and purposely use this information. Traditional methods for USN assessment and rehabilitation include paper-and-pencil procedures, which address cognitive functions as isolated from other aspects of patients' functioning within a real-life context. This might compromise the ecological validity of these procedures and limit their generalizability; moreover, USN evaluation and treatment currently lacks a gold standard. The field of technology has provided several promising tools that have been integrated within the clinical practice; over the years, a "first wave" has promoted computerized methods, which cannot provide an ecological and realistic environment and tasks. Thus, a "second wave" has fostered the implementation of virtual reality (VR) devices that, with different degrees of immersiveness, induce a sense of presence and allow patients to actively interact within the life-like setting. The present paper provides an updated, comprehensive picture of VR devices in the assessment and rehabilitation of USN, building on the review of Pedroli et al. (2015). The present paper analyzes the methodological and technological aspects of the studies selected, considering the issue of usability and ecological validity of virtual environments and tasks. Despite the technological advancement, the studies in this field lack methodological rigor as well as a proper evaluation of VR usability and should improve the ecological validity of VR-based assessment and rehabilitation of USN.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Cavedoni
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - P. Cipresso
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi, 10, 10124 Turin, TO Italy
| | - V. Mancuso
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - F. Bruni
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - E. Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
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12
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Li Y, Kim K, Erickson A, Norouzi N, Jules J, Bruder G, Welch GF. A Scoping Review of Assistance and Therapy with Head-Mounted Displays for People Who Are Visually Impaired. ACM TRANSACTIONS ON ACCESSIBLE COMPUTING 2022. [DOI: 10.1145/3522693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Given the inherent visual affordances of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) used for Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), they have been actively used over many years as assistive and therapeutic devices for the people who are visually impaired. In this paper, we report on a scoping review of literature describing the use of HMDs in these areas. Our high-level objectives included detailed reviews and quantitative analyses of the literature, and the development of insights related to emerging trends and future research directions.
Our review began with a pool of 1251 papers collected through a variety of mechanisms. Through a structured screening process, we identified 61 English research papers employing HMDs to enhance the visual sense of people with visual impairments for more detailed analyses. Our analyses reveal that there is an increasing amount of HMD-based research on visual assistance and therapy, and there are trends in the approaches associated with the research objectives. For example, AR is most often used for visual assistive purposes, whereas VR is used for therapeutic purposes. We report on eight existing survey papers, and present detailed analyses of the 61 research papers, looking at the mitigation objectives of the researchers (assistive versus therapeutic), the approaches used, the types of HMDs, the targeted visual conditions, and the inclusion of user studies. In addition to our detailed reviews and analyses of the various characteristics, we present observations related to apparent emerging trends and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- University of Central Florida, USA
| | - Kangsoo Kim
- University of Central Florida, USA and University of Calgary, Canada
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13
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Kaiser AP, Villadsen KW, Samani A, Knoche H, Evald L. Virtual Reality and Eye-Tracking Assessment, and Treatment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect: Systematic Review and Future Prospects. Front Psychol 2022; 13:787382. [PMID: 35391965 PMCID: PMC8982678 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.787382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a disorder characterized by the failure to report, respond to, or orient toward the contralateral side of space to a brain lesion. Current assessment methods often fail to discover milder forms, cannot differentiate between unilateral spatial neglect subtypes and lack ecological validity. There is also a need for treatment methods that target subtypes. Immersive virtual reality (VR) systems in combination with eye-tracking (ET) have the potential to overcome these shortcomings, by providing more naturalistic environments and tasks, with sensitive and detailed measures. This systematic review examines the state of the art of research on these technologies as applied in the assessment and treatment of USN. As we found no studies that combined immersive VR and ET, we reviewed these approaches individually. The review of VR included seven articles, the ET review twelve. The reviews revealed promising results. (1) All included studies found significant group-level differences for several USN measures. In addition, several studies found asymmetric behavior in VR and ET tasks for patients who did not show signs of USN in conventional tests. Particularly promising features were multitasking in complex VR environments and detailed eye-movement analysis. (2) No VR and only a few ET studies attempted to differentiate USN subtypes, although the technologies appeared appropriate. One ET study grouped USN participants using individual heatmaps, and another differentiated between subtypes on drawing tasks. Regarding (3) ecological validity, although no studies tested the prognostic validity of their assessment methods, VR and ET studies utilized naturalistic tasks and stimuli reflecting everyday situations. Technological characteristics, such as the field of view and refresh rate of the head-mounted displays, could be improved, though, to improve ecological validity. We found (4) no studies that utilized VR or ET technologies for USN treatment up until the search date of the 26th of February 2020. In conclusion, VR-ET-based systems show great potential for USN assessment. VR-ET holds great promise for treatment, for example, by monitoring behavior and adapting and tailoring to the individual person's needs and abilities. Future research should consider developing methods for individual subtypes and differential diagnostics to inform individual treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Pilgaard Kaiser
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark,Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristian Westergaard Villadsen
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark,Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Afshin Samani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Knoche
- Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Evald
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,*Correspondence: Lars Evald,
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14
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Villarreal S, Linnavuo M, Sepponen R, Vuori O, Bonato M, Jokinen H, Hietanen M. Computer-Based Assessment: Dual-Task Outperforms Large-Screen Cancellation Task in Detecting Contralesional Omissions. Front Psychol 2022; 12:790438. [PMID: 35069375 PMCID: PMC8777372 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.790438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Traditionally, asymmetric spatial processing (i.e., hemispatial neglect) has been assessed with paper-and-pencil tasks, but growing evidence indicates that computer-based methods are a more sensitive assessment modality. It is not known, however, whether simply converting well-established paper-and-pencil methods into a digital format is the best option. The aim of the present study was to compare sensitivity in detecting contralesional omissions of two different computer-based methods: a "digitally converted" cancellation task was compared with a computer-based Visual and Auditory dual-tasking approach, which has already proved to be very sensitive. Methods: Participants included 40 patients with chronic unilateral stroke in either the right hemisphere (RH patients, N = 20) or the left hemisphere (LH patients, N = 20) and 20 age-matched healthy controls. The cancellation task was implemented on a very large format (173 cm × 277 cm) or in a smaller (A4) paper-and-pencil version. The computer-based dual-tasks were implemented on a 15'' monitor and required the detection of unilateral and bilateral briefly presented lateralized targets. Results: Neither version of the cancellation task was able to show spatial bias in RH patients. In contrast, in the Visual dual-task RH patients missed significantly more left-sided targets than controls in both unilateral and bilateral trials. They also missed significantly more left-sided than right-sided targets only in the bilateral trials of the Auditory dual-task. Conclusion: The dual-task setting outperforms the cancellation task approach even when the latter is implemented on a (large) screen. Attentionally demanding methods are useful for revealing mild forms of contralesional visuospatial deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Villarreal
- Division of Neuropsychology, HUH Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Linnavuo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Raimo Sepponen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Outi Vuori
- Division of Neuropsychology, HUH Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mario Bonato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Hanna Jokinen
- Division of Neuropsychology, HUH Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja Hietanen
- Division of Neuropsychology, HUH Neurocenter, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Dozio N, Maggioni E, Pittera D, Gallace A, Obrist M. May I Smell Your Attention: Exploration of Smell and Sound for Visuospatial Attention in Virtual Reality. Front Psychol 2021; 12:671470. [PMID: 34366990 PMCID: PMC8339311 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.671470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
When interacting with technology, attention is mainly driven by audiovisual and increasingly haptic stimulation. Olfactory stimuli are widely neglected, although the sense of smell influences many of our daily life choices, affects our behavior, and can catch and direct our attention. In this study, we investigated the effect of smell and sound on visuospatial attention in a virtual environment. We implemented the Bells Test, an established neuropsychological test to assess attentional and visuospatial disorders, in virtual reality (VR). We conducted an experiment with 24 participants comparing the performance of users under three experimental conditions (smell, sound, and smell and sound). The results show that multisensory stimuli play a key role in driving the attention of the participants and highlight asymmetries in directing spatial attention. We discuss the relevance of the results within and beyond human-computer interaction (HCI), particularly with regard to the opportunity of using VR for rehabilitation and assessment procedures for patients with spatial attention deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Dozio
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Milan, Italy
- Sussex Computer-Human Interaction Lab, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuela Maggioni
- Sussex Computer-Human Interaction Lab, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dario Pittera
- Sussex Computer-Human Interaction Lab, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Ultraleap Ltd., Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Gallace
- Mind and Behavior Technological Center - MibTec, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Obrist
- Sussex Computer-Human Interaction Lab, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Kim TL, Kim K, Choi C, Lee JY, Shin JH. FOPR test: a virtual reality-based technique to assess field of perception and field of regard in hemispatial neglect. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:39. [PMID: 33602254 PMCID: PMC7890954 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00835-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously proposed a novel virtual reality-based method to assess human field of perception (FOP) and field of regard (FOR), termed the FOPR test. This study assessed the diagnostic validity of the FOPR test for hemispatial neglect (HSN). METHODS We included 19 stroke patients with a lesion in the right hemisphere and with HSN (HSN+SS), 22 stroke patients with a lesion in the right hemisphere and without HSN (HSN-SS), and 22 healthy controls aged 19-65 years. The success rate (SR) and response time (RT) in the FOPR test for both FOP and FOR were assessed (FOP-SR, FOR-SR, FOP-RT, and FOR-RT, respectively). Using a Bland-Altman plot, agreements between the FOPR test and conventional tests were confirmed, and the FOPR test accuracy was verified using the support vector machine (SVM). Measured values were analysed using ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis tests for group comparison. RESULTS The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between FOPR test and conventional tests; individuals within 95% agreement limits were within the range of 94.8-100.0%. The SVM classification accuracy, using FOP and FOR variables from the left hemispace, ranged from 83.3 to 100.0% in a binary classification (HSN vs non-HSN). The FOPR test demonstrated differences in SR and RT for both FOP and FOR across the groups. CONCLUSION The FOPR test was valid for the HSN diagnosis and provided quantitative and intuitive information regarding visuospatial function. Furthermore, it might enhance our understanding of visuospatial function including HSN by applying the time relative component and concepts of perception and exploration, FOP and FOR. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03463122. Registered 13 March 2018, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Lim Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanguk Kim
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyeol Choi
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeong Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Ho Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, National Rehabilitation Center, 58, Samgaksan-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, 01022, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Choi HS, Shin WS, Bang DH. Application of digital practice to improve head movement, visual perception and activities of daily living for subacute stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect: Preliminary results of a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24637. [PMID: 33578583 PMCID: PMC7886475 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) based digital practice is an attractive way to provide a patient engagement, motivation and adaptable environment for stroke rehabilitation. However, clinical evidence of efficacy with VR-based digital practice is very limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of VR-based digital practice program on unilateral spatial neglect (USN) rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS Twenty-four subacute stroke patients with USN were enrolled and randomly assigned to digital practice group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). Patients in digital practice group received training programs with VR-based applications with leap motion environment. Control group received conventional USN specific training programs. All patients were underwent 4 week practice program (3 sessions/week, a half-hour/session). We analyzed training effects before and after training by assessing the line bisection test, Catherine Bergego Scale, modified Barthel index, Motor-Free Visual Perception Test Vertical Version (MVPT-V), and horizontal head movements (rotation degree and velocity during the VR-based applications), and compared the results between the two groups. RESULTS Compared to control group, digital practice group showed significantly greater improvements in the line bisection test (P = .020), and visual perceptual tasks (MVPT-V, responded more on left visual task, P = .024; correctly respond more on both left and right visual tasks, P = .024 and P = .014, respectively; and faster response time, P = .014). Additionally, horizontal head movement of rotation degree and velocity during the VR based practice in the digital practice group were significantly increased more than control group (P = .007 and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS VR-based digital practice program might be an affordable approach for visual perception and head movement recovery for subacute stroke patients with USN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Suk Choi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul
| | - Won-Seob Shin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Collage of Health and Medical Science, Daejeon University, Daejeon
| | - Dae-Hyouk Bang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Oriental Hospital, Wonkwang University, Ik-San, Republic of Korea
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18
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Szczepańska-Gieracha J, Cieślik B, Rutkowski S, Kiper P, Turolla A. What can virtual reality offer to stroke patients? A narrative review of the literature. NeuroRehabilitation 2021; 47:109-120. [PMID: 32741792 DOI: 10.3233/nre-203209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies demonstrated the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) as a method supporting the post-stroke neuro-rehabilitation process by activating motor learning processes. Nevertheless, stroke is frequently accompanied by serious psychological problems including depression, which is associated with an increased risk of mortality, lower post-stroke physical activity, and higher disability in stroke patients. OBJECTIVES To explore the current use of VR as a method supporting the neuro-rehabilitation process, both in physical and psychological dimensions. METHODS An exploratory review was conducted with a narrative synthesis. PubMed was used for literature search. Search includes the use of VR in physical rehabilitation, and as support therapy in psychiatric disorders. Both primary research and systematic reviews were included. RESULTS In neurological disorders rehabilitation, out of 22 studies, 16 concerned stroke survivors. In psychiatric disorders, 44 literature reviews were included. CONCLUSION The studies confirmed the effectiveness of various forms of VR treatment in the alleviation of psychological and behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. There is a shortage of VR-based technological solutions that would, besides physical rehabilitation, offer stroke patients therapeutic tools to alleviate psychological disturbance and improve the patient's mood and motivation. Such solutions will most likely become a field of intensive research in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Błażej Cieślik
- Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Kiper
- Laboratory of Neurorehabilitation Technologies, San Camillo IRCCS S.r.l., Venice, Italy
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Laboratory of Neurorehabilitation Technologies, San Camillo IRCCS S.r.l., Venice, Italy
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19
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Combined virtual reality and haptic robotics induce space and movement invariant sensorimotor adaptation. Neuropsychologia 2020; 150:107692. [PMID: 33232695 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prism adaptation is a method for studying visuomotor plasticity in healthy individuals, as well as for rehabilitating patients suffering spatial neglect. We developed a new set-up based on virtual-reality (VR) and haptic-robotics allowing us to induce sensorimotor adaptation and to reproduce the effect of prism adaptation in a more ecologically valid, yet experimentally controlled context. Participants were exposed to an immersive VR environment while controlling a virtual hand via a robotic-haptic device to reach virtual objects. During training, a rotational shift was induced between the position of the participant's real hand and that of the virtual hand in order to trigger sensorimotor recalibration. The use of VR and haptic-robotics allowed us to simulate and test multiple components of sensorimotor adaptation: training either peripersonal or extrapersonal space and testing generalization for the non-trained sector of space, and using active versus robot-guided reaching movements. Results from 60 neurologically intact participants show that participants exposed to the virtual shift were able to quickly adapt their reaching movements to aim correctly at the target objects. When the shift was removed, participants showed a systematic deviation of their movements during open-loop tasks in the direction opposite to that of the shift, which generalized to un-trained portions of space and occurred also when their movements were robotically-guided during the adaptation. Interestingly, follow-up questionnaires revealed that when the adaptation training was robotically-guided, participants were largely unaware of the mismatch between their hand and the virtual hand's position. The stability of the aftereffects, despite the changing experimental parameters, suggests that the induced sensory-motor adaptation does not rely on low-level processing of sensory stimuli during the training, but taps into high-level representations of space. Importantly, the flexibility of the trained space and the option of robotically-guided movements open novel possibilities of fine-tuning the training to patients' level of spatial and motor impairment, thus possibly resulting in a better outcome.
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20
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both clinically observable and subclinical hemispatial neglect are related to functional disability. The aim of the present study was to examine whether increasing task complexity improves sensitivity in assessment and whether it enables the identification of subclinical neglect. METHOD We developed and compared two computerized dual-tasks, a simpler and a more complex one, and presented them on a large, 173 × 277 cm screen. Participants in the study included 40 patients with unilateral stroke in either the left hemisphere (LH patient group, n = 20) or the right hemisphere (RH patient group, n = 20) and 20 healthy controls. In addition to the large-screen tasks, all participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The Bells Test was used as a traditional paper-and-pencil cancellation test to assess neglect. RESULTS RH patients made significantly more left hemifield omission errors than controls in both large-screen tasks. LH patients' omissions did not differ significantly from those of the controls in either large-screen task. No significant group differences were observed in the Bells Test. All groups' reaction times were significantly slower in the more complex large-screen task compared to the simpler one. The more complex large-screen task also produced significantly slower reactions to stimuli in the left than in the right hemifield in all groups. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that dual-tasks presented on a large screen sensitively reveal subclinical neglect in stroke. New, sensitive, and ecologically valid methods are needed to evaluate subclinical neglect.
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21
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Huygelier H, Schraepen B, Lafosse C, Vaes N, Schillebeeckx F, Michiels K, Note E, Vanden Abeele V, van Ee R, Gillebert CR. An immersive virtual reality game to train spatial attention orientation after stroke: A feasibility study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:915-935. [PMID: 32945702 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1821030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) may boost neglect recovery, as it can provide an engaging experience in a 3D environment. We designed an IVR rehabilitation game for neglect patients using the Oculus Rift. Multisensory cues were presented in the neglected visual field in a patient-tailored way. We acquired pilot data in 15 neurologically healthy controls and 7 stroke patients. First, we compared cybersickness before and after VR exposure. Second, we assessed the user experience through a questionnaire. Third, we tested whether neglect symptoms corresponded between the VR game and a computerized cancelation task. Fourth, we evaluated the effect of the multisensory cueing on target discrimination. Last, we tested two algorithms to tailor the game to the characteristics of the neglected visual field. Cybersickness significantly reduced after VR exposure in six stroke patients and was low in healthy controls. Patients rated the user experience neutral to positive. In addition, neglect symptoms were consistent between a computerized cancelation and VR rehabilitation task. The multisensory cue positively affected target discrimination in the game and we successfully presented sensory stimulation to the neglected visual field in a patient-tailored way. Our results show that it is promising to use gamified patient-tailored immersive VR for neglect rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nathalie Vaes
- Scientific Unit, Rehabilitation Hospital RevArte, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Karla Michiels
- Rehabilitation centre Pellenberg, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Note
- Rehabilitation centre Pellenberg, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Raymond van Ee
- Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Spreij LA, Ten Brink AF, Visser-Meily JM, Nijboer TC. Increasing cognitive demand in assessments of visuo-spatial neglect: Testing the concepts of static and dynamic tests. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2020; 42:675-689. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1798881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane A. Spreij
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Antonia F. Ten Brink
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands
- De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Johanna M.A. Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tanja C.W. Nijboer
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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23
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Tamura M, Shirakawa M, Luo ZW, Noda K, Tanemura R. Qualitative assessment for extrapersonal neglect in patients with stroke using a virtual reality system task. COGENT MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2019.1687272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tamura
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0142, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Asahi College of Medical and Health Professionals, Okayama, Okayama 700-0026, Japan
| | - Makoto Shirakawa
- Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Zhi-wei Luo
- Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Kazue Noda
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0142, Japan
| | - Rumi Tanemura
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0142, Japan
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24
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Negen J, Bou Ali L, Chere B, Roome HE, Park Y, Nardini M. Coding Locations Relative to One or Many Landmarks in Childhood. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007380. [PMID: 31658253 PMCID: PMC6816551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive development studies how information processing in the brain changes over the course of development. A key part of this question is how information is represented and stored in memory. This study examined allocentric (world-based) spatial memory, an important cognitive tool for planning routes and interacting with the space around us. This is typically theorized to use multiple landmarks all at once whenever it operates. In contrast, here we show that allocentric spatial memory frequently operates over a limited spatial window, much less than the full proximal scene, for children between 3.5 and 8.5 years old. The use of multiple landmarks increases gradually with age. Participants were asked to point to a remembered target location after a change of view in immersive virtual reality. A k-fold cross-validation model-comparison selected a model where young children usually use the target location's vector to the single nearest landmark and rarely take advantage of the vectors to other nearby landmarks. The comparison models, which attempt to explain the errors as generic forms of noise rather than encoding to a single spatial cue, did not capture the distribution of responses as well. Parameter fits of this new single- versus multi-cue model are also easily interpretable and related to other variables of interest in development (age, executive function). Based on this, we theorize that spatial memory in humans develops through three advancing levels (but not strict stages): most likely to encode locations egocentrically (relative to the self), then allocentrically (relative to the world) but using only one landmark, and finally, most likely to encode locations relative to multiple parts of the scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Negen
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Bou Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Brittney Chere
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah E. Roome
- Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yeachan Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marko Nardini
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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25
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Montedoro V, Alsamour M, Dehem S, Lejeune T, Dehez B, Edwards MG. Robot Diagnosis Test for Egocentric and Allocentric Hemineglect. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 34:481-494. [PMID: 30084880 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with hemineglect fail to respond to egocentric stimuli or allocentric parts of stimuli contralateral to the brain lesion. The clinical diagnosis of hemineglect mainly involves evaluation of the egocentric form, while less sensitive standardized tests exist for other forms. Our global aim is to develop an innovative integrative robot measure, the MonAmour test, combining the assessment of egocentric, allocentric and motor hemineglect. Here, we present the egocentric and allocentric evaluations. METHODS Thirty-five first stroke patients (25 hemineglect) and 56 age-matched healthy controls were assessed on the index test (MonAmour) and on three reference standard tests (Bells test, Apples test and Neglect subtest of the Test for Attentional Performance). Based on controls' performance, normative data were created. Validity was evaluated between the MonAmour and the reference standard tests through correlations and test sensitivity/specificity. Reliability of the MonAmour was measured with test-retest and minimal detectable change. RESULTS Results demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between the MonAmour and the reference standard tests (r = .40-.88, p < .001 - p = .016). The sensitivity was high (50%-96%), with accurate diagnosis of patients with hemineglect, and reliability was excellent (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = .79-.95, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The MonAmour robot test is a valid, sensitive and reliable tool that can diagnose egocentric and allocentric hemineglect. Future studies will deepen the assessment and understanding of the different forms of hemineglect by testing the motor component of the test in order to use this accurate and integrative measure in daily clinical routine. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov(NCT02543424).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Montedoro
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute for Research in Psychological Science, Place cardinal Mercier 10, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Alsamour
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute for Research in Psychological Science, Place cardinal Mercier 10, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Dehem
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, NMSK, Avenue Mounier 53, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Lejeune
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Secteur des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, NMSK, Avenue Mounier 53, Brussels, Belgium.,Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, Avenue Hippocrate 10, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Dehez
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Place du Levant 2, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Martin G Edwards
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute for Research in Psychological Science, Place cardinal Mercier 10, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.,Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Brussels, Belgium
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26
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Spreij LA, Ten Brink AF, Visser-Meily JMA, Nijboer TCW. Simulated driving: The added value of dynamic testing in the assessment of visuo-spatial neglect after stroke. J Neuropsychol 2018; 14:28-45. [PMID: 30325578 PMCID: PMC7154737 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visuo-spatial neglect (VSN) is generally assessed with neuropsychological paper-and-pencil tasks, which are often not sensitive enough to detect mild and/or well-compensated VSN. It is of utmost importance to develop dynamic tasks, resembling the dynamics of daily living. OBJECTIVE A simulated driving task was used to assess (1) differences in performance (i.e., position on the road and magnitude of sway) between patients with left- and right-sided VSN, recovered VSN, without VSN, and healthy participants; (2) the relation between average position and VSN severity; and (3) its diagnostic accuracy in relation to traditional tasks. METHODS Stroke inpatients were tested with a cancellation task, the Catherine Bergego Scale and the simulated driving task. RESULTS Patients with left-sided VSN and recovered VSN deviated more regarding position on the road compared to patients without VSN. The deviation was larger in patients with more severe VSN. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, 29% of recovered VSN patients and 6% of patients without VSN did show abnormal performance on the simulated driving task. The sensitivity was 52% for left-sided VSN. Right-sided VSN was not well detected, probably due to the asymmetric layout. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, the simulated driving task should not be the only task to assess VSN, especially in its current form. Given the heterogenic nature of VSN, the assessment should always consist of several tasks varying in nature and complexity and include a dynamic task to detect mild and/or recovered VSN. A symmetric design should be used when designing novel tasks to assess right-sided VSN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane A Spreij
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands
| | - Antonia F Ten Brink
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja C W Nijboer
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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27
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Olk B, Dinu A, Zielinski DJ, Kopper R. Measuring visual search and distraction in immersive virtual reality. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:172331. [PMID: 29892418 PMCID: PMC5990815 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.172331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
An important issue of psychological research is how experiments conducted in the laboratory or theories based on such experiments relate to human performance in daily life. Immersive virtual reality (VR) allows control over stimuli and conditions at increased ecological validity. The goal of the present study was to accomplish a transfer of traditional paradigms that assess attention and distraction to immersive VR. To further increase ecological validity we explored attentional effects with daily objects as stimuli instead of simple letters. Participants searched for a target among distractors on the countertop of a virtual kitchen. Target-distractor discriminability was varied and the displays were accompanied by a peripheral flanker that was congruent or incongruent to the target. Reaction time was slower when target-distractor discriminability was low and when flankers were incongruent. The results were replicated in a second experiment in which stimuli were presented on a computer screen in two dimensions. The study demonstrates the successful translation of traditional paradigms and manipulations into immersive VR and lays a foundation for future research on attention and distraction in VR. Further, we provide an outline for future studies that should use features of VR that are not available in traditional laboratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Olk
- Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
- HSD University of Applied Sciences, Waidmarkt 3 and 9, 50676 Cologne, Germany
| | - Alina Dinu
- Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David J. Zielinski
- Duke University, Pratt School of Engineering, FCiemas Building, 101 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708-0271, USA
| | - Regis Kopper
- Duke University, Pratt School of Engineering, FCiemas Building, 101 Science Dr., Durham, NC 27708-0271, USA
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Roda A, Mirasoli M, Guardigli M, Zangheri M, Caliceti C, Calabria D, Simoni P. Advanced biosensors for monitoring astronauts' health during long-duration space missions. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 111:18-26. [PMID: 29631159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Long-duration space missions pose important health concerns for astronauts, especially regarding the adverse effects of microgravity and exposure to high-energy cosmic rays. The long-term maintenance of crew health and performance mainly relies on prevention, early diagnoses, condition management, and medical interventions in situ. In-flight biosensor diagnostic devices and medical procedures must use few resources and operate in a microgravity environment, which complicates the collection and management of biological samples. Moreover, the biosensors must be certified for in-flight operation according to strict design and safety regulations. Herein, we report on the state of the art and recent advances in biosensing diagnostic instrumentation for monitoring astronauts' health during long-duration space missions, including portable and wearable biosensors. We discuss perspectives on new-format biosensors in autonomous space clinics. We also describe our own work in developing biosensing devices for non-invasively diagnosing space-related diseases, and how they are used in long-duration missions. Finally, we discuss the benefits of space exploration for Earth-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Roda
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Mara Mirasoli
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Guardigli
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Zangheri
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristiana Caliceti
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Center of Industrial Research (CIRI) - Energy and Environment, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donato Calabria
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Interdepartmental Center of Industrial Research (CIRI) - Energy and Environment, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Simoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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De Luca R, Lo Buono V, Leo A, Russo M, Aragona B, Leonardi S, Buda A, Naro A, Calabrò RS. Use of virtual reality in improving poststroke neglect: Promising neuropsychological and neurophysiological findings from a case study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2017; 26:96-100. [PMID: 28937807 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2017.1363040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
After experiencing a stroke in the right hemisphere, almost 50% of patients show unilateral spatial neglect (USN). Virtual Reality technologies offer impressive opportunities for both the rehabilitation and assessment of different cognitive deficits, including USN. A 57-year-old woman, affected by subarachnoid hemorrhage presented a severe left hemiparesis with severe cognitive and behavioral alterations, including temporal and spatial disorientation, reduction of attention and memory process, slowing ideation, USN, and depression of mood. She underwent two different rehabilitation trainings, including standard cognitive training (SCT) in addition to semi-immersive virtual training with her shadow (S-IVT_s) and SCT in addition to a Semi- immersive virtual training, without her shadow (S-IVT). The patient was assessed before and after each of the two different trainings, by using a specific psychometric battery and the event related potential, P300. Only at the end of the use of the S-IVT, we observed a significant improvement in the motor and cognitive function, with regard to USN. SCT in addition to S-IVT with Bts-Nirvana System may be a promising approach in improving attention process, spatial cognition, and mood in patients with post stroke USN, as also demonstrated by the electrophysiological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria De Luca
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Viviana Lo Buono
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Antonino Leo
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Margherita Russo
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Bianca Aragona
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Simona Leonardi
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Antonio Buda
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Antonino Naro
- a IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo" Messina , Messina , Italy
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Tobler-Ammann BC, Surer E, de Bruin ED, Rabuffetti M, Borghese NA, Mainetti R, Pirovano M, Wittwer L, Knols RH. Exergames Encouraging Exploration of Hemineglected Space in Stroke Patients With Visuospatial Neglect: A Feasibility Study. JMIR Serious Games 2017; 5:e17. [PMID: 28842388 PMCID: PMC5591404 DOI: 10.2196/games.7923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Use of exergames can complement conventional therapy and increase the amount and intensity of visuospatial neglect (VSN) training. A series of 9 exergames—games based on therapeutic principles—aimed at improving exploration of the neglected space for patients with VSN symptoms poststroke was developed and tested for its feasibility. Objectives The goal was to determine the feasibility of the exergames with minimal supervision in terms of (1) implementation of the intervention, including adherence, attrition and safety, and (2) limited efficacy testing, aiming to document possible effects on VSN symptoms in a case series of patients early poststroke. Methods A total of 7 patients attended the 3-week exergames training program on a daily basis. Adherence of the patients was documented in a training diary. For attrition, the number of participants lost during the intervention was registered. Any adverse events related to the exergames intervention were noted to document safety. Changes in cognitive and spatial exploration skills were measured with the Zürich Maxi Mental Status Inventory and the Neglect Test. Additionally, we developed an Eye Tracker Neglect Test (ETNT) using an infrared camera to detect and measure neglect symptoms pre- and postintervention. Results The median was 14 out of 15 (93%) attended sessions, indicating that the adherence to the exergames training sessions was high. There were no adverse events and no drop-outs during the exergame intervention. The individual cognitive and spatial exploration skills slightly improved postintervention (P=.06 to P=.98) and continued improving at follow-up (P=.04 to P=.92) in 5 out of 7 (71%) patients. Calibration of the ETNT was rather error prone. The ETNT showed a trend for a slight median group improvement from 15 to 16 total located targets (+6%). Conclusions The high adherence rate and absence of adverse events showed that these exergames were feasible and safe for the participants. The results of the amount of exergames use is promising for future applications and warrants further investigations—for example, in the home setting of patients to augment training frequency and intensity. The preliminary results indicate the potential of these exergames to cause improvements in cognitive and spatial exploration skills over the course of training for stroke patients with VSN symptoms. Thus, these exergames are proposed as a motivating training tool to complement usual care. The ETNT showed to be a promising assessment for quantifying spatial exploration skills. However, further adaptations are needed, especially regarding calibration issues, before its use can be justified in a larger study sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Tobler-Ammann
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI], Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elif Surer
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Modeling and Simulation, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Rabuffetti
- Polo Tecnologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - N Alberto Borghese
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mainetti
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Pirovano
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lia Wittwer
- Parkinson Center, Epileptology, Neurorehabilitation, Clinic Bethesda, Tschugg, Switzerland
| | - Ruud H Knols
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Tobler-Ammann BC, Surer E, Knols RH, Borghese NA, de Bruin ED. User Perspectives on Exergames Designed to Explore the Hemineglected Space for Stroke Patients With Visuospatial Neglect: Usability Study. JMIR Serious Games 2017; 5:e18. [PMID: 28842390 PMCID: PMC5591406 DOI: 10.2196/games.8013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visuospatial neglect due to stroke is characterized by the inability to perceive stimuli emerging in the area opposite to the side of brain damage. Besides adopting conventional rehabilitation methods to treat neglect symptoms, the use of virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular. We designed a series of 9 exergames aimed to improve exploration of the neglected side of space. When new VR interventions are designed, it is important to assess the usability aspects of such management strategies within the target population. To date, most studies used questionnaires to assess user satisfaction with the intervention or product being tested. However, only a combination of both quantitative and qualitative data allows a full picture of user perspective. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively assess patient and therapist perspectives of a VR intervention based on the series of 9 exergames designed to explore hemineglected space. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate (1) perceived-user friendliness of the exergames, (2) attitude towards using the exergames, and (3) intention to use the exergames in the future. METHODS A total of 19 participants (7 patients, 12 therapists) evaluated the exergames they had used 5 times a week during 3 weeks. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was filled out after the intervention. Based on those responses, we conducted focus group interviews (with therapists) and individual interviews (with patients). To analyze the TAM questionnaires, we used descriptive statistics. We adopted content and comparative analysis to analyze the interviews and drew illustration maps to analyze the focus group interviews. RESULTS The therapists took a more critical stance with a mean TAM questionnaire total score of 48.6 (SD 4.5) compared to the patients who had a mean total score of 56.1 (SD 12.3). The perceived user-friendliness score was 5.6 (SD 1.4) for patients and 4.9 (SD 1.4) for therapists. The attitude towards using the exergames was rated 4.8 (SD 1.9) by patients and 3.6 (SD 1.4) by therapists, respectively. The intention to use the exergames in the future was rated 3.9 (SD 2.1) by patients and 3.7 (SD 1.8) by therapists. We gained information on how to improve the exergames in the interviews. CONCLUSIONS Patients and therapists perceived the exergames as user-friendly; however, using the games further with the actual test version was not perceived as conceivable. The therapists were generally more critical towards future use than the patients. Therefore, involving both users to achieve acceptable and user-friendly versions of game-based rehabilitation for the future is deemed crucial and warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02353962; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02353962 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6soxIJlAZ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Tobler-Ammann
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Care and Public Health Research Institute [CAPHRI], Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elif Surer
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Modeling and Simulation, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ruud H Knols
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Alberto Borghese
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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van der Kemp J, Dorresteijn M, Ten Brink AF, Nijboer TC, Visser-Meily JM. Pharmacological Treatment of Visuospatial Neglect: A Systematic Review. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2017; 26:686-700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Lutz OHM, Burmeister C, dos Santos LF, Morkisch N, Dohle C, Krüger J. Application of head-mounted devices with eye-tracking in virtual reality therapy. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/cdbme-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract:Using eye-tracking to assess visual attention in head-mounted devices (HMD) opens up many possibilities for virtual reality (VR)-based therapy. Existing therapy concepts where attention plays a major role can be transferred to VR. Furthermore, they can be expanded to a precise real-time attention assessment, which can serve as a foundation for new therapy approaches. Utilizing HMDs and eye-tracking in a clinical environment is challenging because of hygiene issues and requirements of patients with heterogeneous cognitive and motor impairments. In this paper, we provide an overview of those challenges, discuss possible solutions and present preliminary results of a study with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Hans-Martin Lutz
- 1Chair of Industrial Automation Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, PTZ 5, Pascalstr. 8-9, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Burmeister
- 2Chair of Industrial Automation Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jörg Krüger
- 2Chair of Industrial Automation Technology, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
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Foerster RM, Poth CH, Behler C, Botsch M, Schneider WX. Using the virtual reality device Oculus Rift for neuropsychological assessment of visual processing capabilities. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37016. [PMID: 27869220 PMCID: PMC5116630 DOI: 10.1038/srep37016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychological assessment of human visual processing capabilities strongly depends on visual testing conditions including room lighting, stimuli, and viewing-distance. This limits standardization, threatens reliability, and prevents the assessment of core visual functions such as visual processing speed. Increasingly available virtual reality devices allow to address these problems. One such device is the portable, light-weight, and easy-to-use Oculus Rift. It is head-mounted and covers the entire visual field, thereby shielding and standardizing the visual stimulation. A fundamental prerequisite to use Oculus Rift for neuropsychological assessment is sufficient test-retest reliability. Here, we compare the test-retest reliabilities of Bundesen’s visual processing components (visual processing speed, threshold of conscious perception, capacity of visual working memory) as measured with Oculus Rift and a standard CRT computer screen. Our results show that Oculus Rift allows to measure the processing components as reliably as the standard CRT. This means that Oculus Rift is applicable for standardized and reliable assessment and diagnosis of elementary cognitive functions in laboratory and clinical settings. Oculus Rift thus provides the opportunity to compare visual processing components between individuals and institutions and to establish statistical norm distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Foerster
- Neuro-cognitive Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian H Poth
- Neuro-cognitive Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Behler
- Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.,Computer Graphics and Geometry Processing, Bielefeld University,P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Mario Botsch
- Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.,Computer Graphics and Geometry Processing, Bielefeld University,P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Werner X Schneider
- Neuro-cognitive Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany
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Fordell H, Bodin K, Eklund A, Malm J. RehAtt – scanning training for neglect enhanced by multi-sensory stimulation in Virtual Reality. Top Stroke Rehabil 2016; 23:191-9. [DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2016.1138670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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36
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de Bruin N, Bryant DC, MacLean JN, Gonzalez CLR. Assessing Visuospatial Abilities in Healthy Aging: A Novel Visuomotor Task. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:7. [PMID: 26869918 PMCID: PMC4740775 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the efficacy of a novel reaching-and-grasping task in determining visuospatial abilities across adulthood. The task required male and female young (18–25 years) and older adults (60–82 years) to replicate a series of complex models by locating and retrieving the appropriate building blocks from an array. The task allows visuospatial complexity to be manipulated independently from the visuomotor demands. Mental rotation and spatial visualization abilities were assessed. The results showed that the time taken to complete the tasks increased with increased mental rotation complexity. Patterns of hand use were also influenced by the complexity of the models being constructed with right hand use being greater for the less complex models. In addition, although older adults consistently performed the visuomotor tasks slower than the younger adults, their performance was comparable when expressed as the percent change in task demands. This is suggestive that spatial abilities are preserved in older adults. Given the ecologically validity, the described task is an excellent candidate for investigating: (1) developmental; (2) sex-based; and (3) pathology-based differences in spatial abilities in the visuomotor domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie de Bruin
- The Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Devon C Bryant
- The Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica N MacLean
- The Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Claudia L R Gonzalez
- The Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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37
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Azouvi P. The ecological assessment of unilateral neglect. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2016; 60:186-190. [PMID: 26830087 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Conventional paper-and-pencil tests of unilateral neglect are of limited ecological validity. To address this issue, a number of assessment procedures have been proposed to provide clinicians and researchers with more ecologically valid assessments of unilateral neglect, which may be useful to plan rehabilitation and to measure the generalization of the effects of rehabilitation to daily life. We present here an overview of the different assessment measures available in the literature. The most widely used scales are the Behavioural Inattention Test (BIT), the semi-structured scales for assessment of personal and extra-personal neglect, the Subjective Neglect Questionnaire, the Baking Tray Task, the wheelchair obstacle course, the ADL-based neglect battery, and the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS). The CBS is probably, to date, the most widely used behavioural assessment instrument for unilateral neglect. It has been found to be reliable, valid, and sensitive to change during rehabilitation. It also enables the assessment of awareness of the consequences of unilateral neglect in daily life skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Azouvi
- AP-HP, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, 92380 Garches, France; EA 4047 HANDIReSP, université Versailles - Saint-Quentin, UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone-Veil, 2, avenue de la Source-de-la-Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France.
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38
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Pedroli E, Serino S, Cipresso P, Pallavicini F, Riva G. Assessment and rehabilitation of neglect using virtual reality: a systematic review. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:226. [PMID: 26379519 PMCID: PMC4548208 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After experiencing a stroke in the right hemisphere, almost 50% of patients showed Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN). In recent decades, Virtual Reality (VR) has been used as an effective tool both for the assessment and rehabilitation of USN. Indeed, this advanced technology allows post-stroke patients to interact with ecological and engaging environments similar to real ones, but in a safe and controlled way. To provide an overview of the most recent VR applications for the assessment and rehabilitation of USN, a systematic review has been carried out. Since 2010, 13 studies have proposed and tested innovative VR tools for USN. After a wide description of the selected studies, we discuss the main features of these VR tools in order to provide crucial indications for future studies, neurorehabilitation interventions, and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pedroli
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Serino
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pallavicini
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano Milan, Italy ; Department of Psycholgy, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Milan, Italy
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Abstract
A major drawback with current vehicle modifications is the inability to provide a practice session before driving on the road. Quantitative measurements obtained using a static assembly rig and a virtual driving scenario enabled appropriate adaptive adjustments for a client with post-polio syndrome who complained of difficulties turning the steering wheel. This study describes the assessment process, emphasizing the potential of the system, discussing the limitations of the evaluation and aims to offer occupational therapists an empirical perspective regarding vehicle adaptations for individuals with a physical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Naveh
- Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Bayit Balev & TMN, Israel
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40
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Ulm L, Wohlrapp D, Meinzer M, Steinicke R, Schatz A, Denzler P, Klehmet J, Dohle C, Niedeggen M, Meisel A, Winter Y. A circle-monitor for computerised assessment of visual neglect in peripersonal space. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82892. [PMID: 24349387 PMCID: PMC3861461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Current assessment of visual neglect involves paper-and-pencil tests or computer-based tasks. Both have been criticised because of their lack of ecological validity as target stimuli can only be presented in a restricted visual range. This study examined the user-friendliness and diagnostic strength of a new "Circle-Monitor" (CM), which enlarges the range of the peripersonal space, in comparison to a standard paper-and-pencil test (Neglect-Test, NET). METHODS Ten stroke patients with neglect and ten age-matched healthy controls were examined by the NET and the CM test comprising of four subtests (Star Cancellation, Line Bisection, Dice Task, and Puzzle Test). RESULTS The acceptance of the CM in elderly controls and neglect patients was high. Participants rated the examination by CM as clear, safe and more enjoyable than NET. Healthy controls performed at ceiling on all subtests, without any systematic differences between the visual fields. Both NET and CM revealed significant differences between controls and patients in Line Bisection, Star Cancellation and visuo-constructive tasks (NET: Figure Copying, CM: Puzzle Test). Discriminant analyses revealed cross-validated assignment of patients and controls to groups was more precise when based on the CM (hit rate 90%) as compared to the NET (hit rate 70%). CONCLUSION The CM proved to be a sensitive novel tool to diagnose visual neglect symptoms quickly and accurately with superior diagnostic validity compared to a standard neglect test while being well accepted by patients. Due to its upgradable functions the system may also be a valuable tool not only to test for non-visual neglect symptoms, but also to provide treatment and assess its outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Ulm
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorota Wohlrapp
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Meinzer
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Steinicke
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexej Schatz
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Juliane Klehmet
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Dohle
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Median Klinik Berlin-Kladow, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michael Niedeggen
- Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (AM); (MN)
| | - Andreas Meisel
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (AM); (MN)
| | - York Winter
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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41
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Fasotti L, van Kessel M. Novel insights in the rehabilitation of neglect. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:780. [PMID: 24298249 PMCID: PMC3828556 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visuospatial neglect due to right hemisphere damage, usually a stroke, is a major cause of disability, impairing the ability to perform a whole range of everyday life activities. Conventional and long-established methods for the rehabilitation of neglect like visual scanning training, optokinetic stimulation, or limb activation training have produced positive results, with varying degrees of generalization to (un)trained tasks, lasting from several minutes up to various months after training. Nevertheless, some promising novel approaches to the remediation of left visuospatial neglect have emerged in the last decade. These new therapy methods can be broadly classified into four categories. First, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), after a period of mainly diagnostic utilization, are increasingly applied as neurorehabilitative tools. Second, two classes of drugs, dopaminergic and noradrenergic, have been investigated for their potential effectiveness in rehabilitating neglect. Third, prism adaptation treatment has been shown to improve several neglect symptoms consistently, sometimes during longer periods of time. Finally, virtual reality technologies hold new opportunities for the development of effective training techniques for neglect. They provide realistic, rich, and highly controllable training environments. In this paper the degree of effectiveness and the evidence gathered to support the therapeutic claims of these new approaches is reviewed and discussed. The conclusion is that for all these approaches there still is insufficient unbiased evidence to support their effectiveness. Further neglect rehabilitation research should focus on the maintenance of therapy results over time, on a more functional evaluation of treatment effects, on the design and execution of true replication studies and on the exploration of optimal combinations of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Fasotti
- Rehabilitation Medical Centre Groot Klimmendaal, SIZA Support and Rehabilitation , Arnhem , Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen , Netherlands
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42
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Smit M, Van der Stigchel S, Visser-Meily JMA, Kouwenhoven M, Eijsackers ALH, Nijboer TCW. The feasibility of computer-based prism adaptation to ameliorate neglect in sub-acute stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation center. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:353. [PMID: 23898246 PMCID: PMC3721088 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is wide interest in transferring paper-and-pencil tests to a computer-based setting, resulting in more precise recording of performance. Here, we investigated the feasibility of computer-based testing and computer-based prism adaptation (PA) to ameliorate neglect in sub-acute stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation center. Methods: Thirty-three neglect patients were included. PA was performed with a pair of goggles with wide-field point-to-point prismatic lenses inducing an ipsilesional optical shift of 10°. A variety of digitalized neuropsychological tests were performed using an interactive tablet immediately before and after PA. Results: All 33 patients [mean age 60.36 (SD 13.30)], [mean days post-stroke 63.73 (SD 37.74)] were able to work with the tablet and to understand, perform, and complete the digitalized tests within the proposed time-frame, indicating that there is feasibility of computer-based assessment in this stage post-stroke. Analyses of the efficacy of PA indicated no significant change on any of the outcome measures, except time. Discussion: In conclusion, there is feasibility of computer-based testing in such an early stage, which makes the computer-based setting a promising technique for evaluating more ecologically valid tasks. Secondly, the computer-based PA can be considered as a reliable procedure. We can conclude from our analysis, addressing the efficacy of PA, that the effectiveness of single session PA may not be sufficient to produce short-term effects on our static tasks. Further studies, however, need to be done to evaluate the computer-based efficacy with more ecologically valid assessments in an intensive double-blind, sham-controlled multiple PA treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Smit
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat , Utrecht , Netherlands ; Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University , Utrecht , Netherlands
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43
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van Kessel ME, Geurts ACH, Brouwer WH, Fasotti L. Visual Scanning Training for Neglect after Stroke with and without a Computerized Lane Tracking Dual Task. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:358. [PMID: 23847519 PMCID: PMC3707289 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglect patients typically fail to explore the contralesional half-space. During visual scanning training, these patients learn to consciously pay attention to contralesional target stimuli. It has been suggested that combining scanning training with methods addressing non-spatial attention might enhance training results. In the present study, a dual task training component was added to a visual scanning training (i.e., Training di Scanning Visuospaziale - TSVS; Pizzamiglio et al., 1990). Twenty-nine subacute right hemisphere stroke patients were semi-randomly assigned to an experimental (N = 14) or a control group (N = 15). Patients received 30 training sessions during 6 weeks. TSVS consisted of four standardized tasks (digit detection, reading/copying, copying drawings, and figure description). Moreover, a driving simulator task was integrated in the training procedure. Control patients practiced a single lane tracking task for 2 days a week during 6 weeks. The experimental group was administered the same training schedule, but in weeks 4-6 of the training, the TSVS digit detection task was combined with lane tracking on the same projection screen, so as to create a dual task (computerized visual reaction time task designed for training). Various neglect tests and driving simulator tasks were administered before and after training. No significant group and interaction effects were found that might reflect additional positive effects of dual task training. Significant improvements after training were observed in both groups taken together on most assessment tasks. Ameliorations were generally not correlated to post-onset time, but spontaneous recovery, test-retest variability, and learning effects could not be ruled out completely, since these were not controlled for. Future research might focus on increasing the amount of dual task training, the implementation of progressive difficulty levels in driving simulator tasks, and further exploration of relationships between dual task training and daily functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. E. van Kessel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Medisch Spectrum Twente Hospital Group, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - A. C. H. Geurts
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - W. H. Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - L. Fasotti
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Medical Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal/SIZA Support and Rehabilitation, Arnhem, Netherlands
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Shaqiri A, Anderson B, Danckert J. Statistical learning as a tool for rehabilitation in spatial neglect. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:224. [PMID: 23754998 PMCID: PMC3665923 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose that neglect includes a disorder of representational updating. Representational updating refers to our ability to build mental models and adapt those models to changing experience. This updating ability depends on the processes of priming, working memory, and statistical learning. These processes in turn interact with our capabilities for sustained attention and precise temporal processing. We review evidence showing that all these non-spatial abilities are impaired in neglect, and we discuss how recognition of such deficits can lead to novel approaches for rehabilitating neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albulena Shaqiri
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Britt Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - James Danckert
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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45
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Borghese NA, Bottini G, Sedda A. Videogame based neglect rehabilitation: a role for spatial remapping and multisensory integration? Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:116. [PMID: 23565089 PMCID: PMC3613896 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N A Borghese
- Laboratory of Applied Intelligent Systems, Computer Science Department, University of Milan Milan, Italy
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46
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Wright WG, Agah MR, Darvish K, Keshner EA. Head stabilization shows visual and inertial dependence during passive stimulation: implications for virtual rehabilitation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2013; 21:191-7. [PMID: 23314779 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2012.2237040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sensorimotor coordination relies on the fine calibration and integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory input. Using virtual environments (VE) allows for the dissociation of visual and inertial inputs to manipulate human behavioral outputs. Our goal was to employ VE technology in a novel manner to investigate how head stabilization is affected by spatiotemporal properties of dynamic visual input when combined with passive motion on a linear sled. Healthy adults (n = 12) wore a head-mounted display during naso-occipital sinusoidal horizontal whole body translations while seated. Subjects were secured in a seat with a five-point harness, with the head free to move. Frequency and amplitude of sinusoidal input (i.e., inertial conditions) were set to create overlapping conditions of maximum acceleration (amax) or velocity (vmax). Four inertial conditions were combined with four visual conditions (VIS). VIS were created so that direction of optic flow either matched direction of passive motion or did not. The effect of near and far fixation distance within the VE was also tested. Head kinematics were collected with a three-axis gyro. Head stability showed a complex interaction dependent on changes in weighting of visual and inertial inputs that changed with the sled driving frequency. Inertial condition affected amplitude (p < 0.0000) and phase (p < 0.0000) of head pitch angular velocity. In the absence of visual input, head pitch velocity amplitude increased (p < 0.01). An interaction effect between inertial and VIS conditions on head yaw occurred in SW (p < 0.05). There was also a significant interaction of depth of field and inertial condition on amplitude (p < 0.001) and phase (p < 0.05) of head yaw velocity in SW, especially during high vmax conditions. We conclude visual flow can organize lateral cervical responses despite being discordant with inertial input. When using VE for rehabilitation, possible unintended, involuntary or reflexive motor responses that may not be present in traditional training environments should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Geoffrey Wright
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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47
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van Kessel ME, van Nes IJW, Geurts ACH, Brouwer WH, Fasotti L. Visuospatial asymmetry in dual-task performance after subacute stroke. J Neuropsychol 2012; 7:72-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-6653.2012.02036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilse J. W. van Nes
- Sint Maartenskliniek Research; Development and Education; Nijmegen; The Netherlands
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48
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Johansson BB. Multisensory stimulation in stroke rehabilitation. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:60. [PMID: 22509159 PMCID: PMC3321650 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain has a large capacity for automatic simultaneous processing and integration of sensory information. Combining information from different sensory modalities facilitates our ability to detect, discriminate, and recognize sensory stimuli, and learning is often optimal in a multisensory environment. Currently used multisensory stimulation methods in stroke rehabilitation include motor imagery, action observation, training with a mirror or in a virtual environment, and various kinds of music therapy. Non-invasive brain stimulation has showed promising preliminary results in aphasia and neglect. Patient heterogeneity and the interaction of age, gender, genes, and environment are discussed. Randomized controlled longitudinal trials starting earlier post-stroke are needed. The advance in brain network science and neuroimaging enabling longitudinal studies of structural and functional networks are likely to have an important impact on patient selection for specific interventions in future stroke rehabilitation. It is proposed that we should pay more attention to age, gender, and laterality in clinical studies.
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Kim YM, Chun MH, Yun GJ, Song YJ, Young HE. The effect of virtual reality training on unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients. Ann Rehabil Med 2011; 35:309-15. [PMID: 22506138 PMCID: PMC3309210 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2011.35.3.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of virtual reality training on unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients. Method Twenty-four stroke patients (14 males and 10 females, mean age=64.7) who had unilateral spatial neglect as a result of right hemisphere stroke were recruited. All patients were randomly assigned to either the virtual reality (VR) group (n=12) or the control group (n=12). The VR group received VR training, which stimulated the left side of their bodies. The control group received conventional neglect therapy such as visual scanning training. Both groups received therapy for 30 minutes a day, five days per week for three weeks. Outcome measurements included star cancellation test, line bisection test, Catherine Bergego scale (CBS), and the Korean version of modified Barthel index (K-MBI). These measurements were taken before and after treatment. Results There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and initial values between the two groups. The changes in star cancellation test results and CBS in the VR group were significantly higher than those of the control group after treatment. The changes in line bisection test score and the K-MBI in the VR group were not statistically significant. Conclusion This study suggests that virtual reality training may be a beneficial therapeutic technique on unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Mi Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea
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Abstract
Current understanding of brain plasticity has lead to new approaches in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. Stroke units that combine good medical and nursing care with task-oriented intense training in an environment that provides confidence, stimulation and motivation significantly improve outcome. Repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are applied in rehabilitation of motor function. The long-term effect, optimal way of stimulation and possibly efficacy in cognitive rehabilitation need evaluation. Methods based on multisensory integration of motor, cognitive, and perceptual processes including action observation, mental training, and virtual reality are being tested. Different approaches of intensive aphasia training are described. Recent data on intensive melodic intonation therapy indicate that even patients with very severe non-fluent aphasia can regain speech through homotopic white matter tract plasticity. Music therapy is applied in motor and cognitive rehabilitation. To avoid the confounding effect of spontaneous improvement, most trials are preformed ≥3 months post stroke. Randomized controlled trials starting earlier after strokes are needed. More attention should be given to stroke heterogeneity, cognitive rehabilitation, and social adjustment and to genetic differences, including the role of BDNF polymorphism in brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Johansson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Sweden.
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