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Belger J, Blume M, Akbal M, Chojecki P, de Mooij J, Gaebler M, Klotzsche F, Krohn S, Lafci MT, Quinque E, Tromp J, Villringer A, Finke C, Thöne-Otto A. The immersive virtual memory task: Assessing object-location memory in neurological patients using immersive virtual reality. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:870-898. [PMID: 37728961 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2256957] [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: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00024005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Belger
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marie Blume
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mert Akbal
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul Chojecki
- Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeroen de Mooij
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Gaebler
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Klotzsche
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Krohn
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mustafa Tevfik Lafci
- Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Quinque
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johanne Tromp
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Thöne-Otto
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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Zabegalov KN, Costa FV, Kolesnikova TO, de Abreu MS, Petersen EV, Yenkoyan KB, Kalueff AV. Can we gain translational insights into the functional roles of cerebral cortex from acortical rodent and naturally acortical zebrafish models? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110964. [PMID: 38354895 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral cortex is found only in mammals and is particularly prominent and developed in humans. Various rodent models with fully or partially ablated cortex are commonly used to probe the role of cortex in brain functions and its multiple subcortical projections, including pallium, thalamus and the limbic system. Various rodent models are traditionally used to study the role of cortex in brain functions. A small teleost fish, the zebrafish (Danio rerio), has gained popularity in neuroscience research, and albeit (like other fishes) lacking cortex, its brain performs well some key functions (e.g., memory, consciousness and motivation) with complex, context-specific and well-defined behaviors. Can rodent and zebrafish models help generate insights into the role of cortex in brain functions, and dissect its cortex-specific (vs. non-cortical) functions? To address this conceptual question, here we evaluate brain functionality in intact vs. decorticated rodents and further compare it in the zebrafish, a naturally occurring acortical species. Overall, comparing cortical and acortical rodent models with naturally acortical zebrafish reveals both distinct and overlapping contributions of neocortex and 'precortical' zebrafish telencephalic regions to higher brain functions. Albeit morphologically different, mammalian neocortex and fish pallium may possess more functional similarities than it is presently recognized, calling for further integrative research utilizing both cortical and decorticated/acortical vertebrate model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin N Zabegalov
- Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia; National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan; Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, LLC, Moscow, Russia
| | - Fabiano V Costa
- Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Konstantin B Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, COBRAIN Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia; Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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3
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Reggente N. VR for Cognition and Memory. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 65:189-232. [PMID: 37440126 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
This chapter will provide a review of research into human cognition through the lens of VR-based paradigms for studying memory. Emphasis is placed on why VR increases the ecological validity of memory research and the implications of such enhancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicco Reggente
- Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
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Seton C, Coutrot A, Hornberger M, Spiers HJ, Knight R, Whyatt C. Wayfinding and path integration deficits detected using a virtual reality mobile app in patients with traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282255. [PMID: 36893089 PMCID: PMC9997943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to navigate is supported by a wide network of brain areas which are particularly vulnerable to disruption brain injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wayfinding and the ability to orient back to the direction you have recently come (path integration) may likely be impacted in daily life but have so far not been tested with patients with TBI. Here, we assessed spatial navigation in thirty-eight participants, fifteen of whom had a history of TBI, and twenty-three control participants. Self-estimated spatial navigation ability was assessed using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction (SBSOD) scale. No significant difference between TBI patients and a control group was identified. Rather, results indicated that both participant groups demonstrated 'good' self-inferred spatial navigational ability on the SBSOD scale. Objective navigation ability was tested via the virtual mobile app test Sea Hero Quest (SHQ), which has been shown to predict real-world navigation difficulties and assesses (a) wayfinding across several environments and (b) path integration. Compared to a sub-sample of 13 control participants, a matched subsample of 10 TBI patients demonstrated generally poorer performance on all wayfinding environments tested. Further analysis revealed that TBI participants consistently spent a shorter duration viewing a map prior to navigating to goals. Patients showed mixed performance on the path integration task, with poor performance evident when proximal cues were absent. Our results provide preliminary evidence that TBI impacts both wayfinding and, to some extent, path integration. The findings suggest long-lasting clinical difficulties experienced in TBI patients affect both wayfinding and to some degree path integration ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Seton
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Antoine Coutrot
- Laboratoire d’InfoRmatique en Image et Systèmes d’information, French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Hornberger
- Applied Dementia Research, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Hugo J. Spiers
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Knight
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline Whyatt
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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van der Ham IJM, Claessen MHG. A clinical guide to assessment of navigation impairment: Standardized subjective and objective instruments and normative data. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2022; 44:487-498. [PMID: 36129157 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2022.2123895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Problems with finding one's way around are frequently reported by neurological patients. However, no dedicated standardized tools exist to assess whether such reports indicate navigation impairment or not. We provide a standardized three-step method to assess navigation ability in neurological patients, based on two recently developed diagnostic tools and normative data. The objective of this method is to assess navigation ability in detail, to allow for appropriate rehabilitation training for navigation impairment. METHOD A population-based sample of 7150 Dutch individuals (age 18-89) filled out the Wayfinding Questionnaire (WQ), to assess their self-reported navigation ability and level of spatial anxiety. Additionally, the participants completed the Leiden Navigation Test (LNT), a brief digital test consisting of five subtasks, assessing distinct domains of navigation ability. Both the WQ and LNT can be found online, free of charge. RESULTS Normative data stratified by gender and age are reported for each of the three subscales of the WQ, and for each of the five subtasks of the LNT. CONCLUSIONS Based on performance data of a very large population-based sample of participants, navigation performance of neurological patients with specific navigation complaints can be assessed in three steps. First, we recommend to inquire about potential problems concerning navigation. Next, in case of navigation complaints, the extent of potential navigation impairment can first be measured with the WQ. Lastly, if impaired scores are found, the LNT can provide objective verification of the perceived impairment, as well as insight into which navigation domains are affected. Such insight will allow for prediction of the practical consequences of the impairment and can be used for informed and tailored rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michiel H G Claessen
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Corti C, Oprandi MC, Chevignard M, Jansari A, Oldrati V, Ferrari E, Martignoni M, Romaniello R, Strazzer S, Bardoni A. Virtual-Reality Performance-Based Assessment of Cognitive Functions in Adult Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2022; 32:352-399. [PMID: 33929656 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-021-09498-0] [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: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) commonly present with impairments in cognitive abilities. As these competencies seem to be predictive of patients' abilities to reintegrate into the everyday settings, it is crucial to assess them properly. However, previous research has indicated that patients may perform relatively well on standard tests of cognitive functioning, but may nonetheless encounter significant difficulties in organizing and executing everyday tasks. In order to overcome this issue, virtual reality (VR) methods have been introduced in clinical practice with the aim of creating assessments that simulate real-world activities and thus, provide a clearer picture of patients' functioning in everyday settings. This review offers an overview of VR assessment tools described in the scientific literature between 2010 and 2019. Overall, 38 relevant records describing 31 different tools were found. Among these tools, 16 assessed executive functions and prospective memory, while the other 15 assessed visuo-spatial abilities. Although promising results have been reported, our analysis indicated that about half of the tools deliver tasks that differ from everyday activities, thus limiting the generalizability of patients' performance to the real-world. Moreover, a variety of methodological shortfalls related to study Internal and External Validity have been highlighted, which hamper the possibility of drawing definite recommendations on tool choice. These limitations suggest the importance of putting considerable efforts into the improvement or development of VR tools for patients with ABI for both research and clinical purposes, considering the great potential of this form of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Corti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy.
| | | | - Mathilde Chevignard
- Rehabilitation Department for Children with Acquired Brain Injury, Saint Maurice Hospital, Saint Maurice, France
- Laboratoire D'Imagerie Biomedicale (LIB), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- GRC 24 Handicap Moteur Et Cognitif Et Réadaptation (HaMCRe), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Viola Oldrati
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sandra Strazzer
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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Poos JM, van der Ham IJM, Leeuwis AE, Pijnenburg YAL, van der Flier WM, Postma A. Short Digital Spatial Memory Test Detects Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1350. [PMID: 34679414 PMCID: PMC8533689 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment in navigation abilities and object location memory are often seen in early-stage Alzheimer's Disease (AD), yet these constructs are not included in standard neuropsychological assessment. We investigated the differential ability of a short digital spatial memory test in mild AD dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS 21 patients with AD dementia (66.9 ± 6.9; 47% female), 22 patients with MCI (69.6 ± 8.3; 46% female) and 21 patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) (62.2 ± 8.9; 48% female) from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort performed the Object Location Memory Test (OLMT), consisting of a visual perception and memory trial, and the Virtual Tübingen (VT) test, consisting of a scene recognition, route continuation, route ordering and distance comparison task. The correlations with other cognitive domains were examined. RESULTS Patients with mild AD dementia (Z: -2.51 ± 1.15) and MCI (Z: -1.81 ± 0.92) performed worse than participants with SCD (Z: 0.0 ± 1.0) on the OLMT. Scene recognition and route continuation were equally impaired in patients with AD dementia (Z: -1.14 ± 0.73; Z: -1.44 ± 1.13) and MCI (Z: -1.37 ± 1.25; Z: -1.21 ± 1.07). Route ordering was only impaired in patients with MCI (Z: -0.82 ± 0.78). Weak to moderate correlations were found between route continuation and memory (r(64) = 0.40, p < 0.01), and between route ordering and attention (r(64) = 0.33, p < 0.01), but not for the OLMT. CONCLUSION A short digital spatial memory test battery was able to detect object location memory and navigation impairment in patients with mild AD dementia and MCI, highlighting the value of incorporating such a test battery in standard neuropsychological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie M. Poos
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.E.L.); (Y.A.L.P.); (W.M.v.d.F.)
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Helmholtz Institute, Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Ineke J. M. van der Ham
- Institute of Psychology, Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Anna E. Leeuwis
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.E.L.); (Y.A.L.P.); (W.M.v.d.F.)
| | - Yolande A. L. Pijnenburg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.E.L.); (Y.A.L.P.); (W.M.v.d.F.)
| | - Wiesje M. van der Flier
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.E.L.); (Y.A.L.P.); (W.M.v.d.F.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Postma
- Helmholtz Institute, Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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Thornberry C, Cimadevilla JM, Commins S. Virtual Morris water maze: opportunities and challenges. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:887-903. [PMID: 33838098 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The ability to accurately recall locations and navigate our environment relies on multiple cognitive mechanisms. The behavioural and neural correlates of spatial navigation have been repeatedly examined using different types of mazes and tasks with animals. Accurate performances of many of these tasks have proven to depend on specific circuits and brain structures and some have become the standard test of memory in many disease models. With the introduction of virtual reality (VR) to neuroscience research, VR tasks have become a popular method of examining human spatial memory and navigation. However, the types of VR tasks used to examine navigation across laboratories appears to greatly differ, from open arena mazes and virtual towns to driving simulators. Here, we examined over 200 VR navigation papers, and found that the most popular task used is the virtual analogue of the Morris water maze (VWM). Although we highlight the many advantages of using the VWM task, there are also some major difficulties related to the widespread use of this behavioural method. Despite the task's popularity, we demonstrate an inconsistency of use - particularly with respect to the environmental setup and procedures. Using different versions of the virtual water maze makes replication of findings and comparison of results across researchers very difficult. We suggest the need for protocol and design standardisation, alongside other difficulties that need to be addressed, if the virtual water maze is to become the 'gold standard' for human spatial research similar to its animal counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Thornberry
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, John Hume Building, North Campus, Maynooth, Co KildareW23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Jose M Cimadevilla
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center, University of Almeria, 04120La Cañada, Almería, Spain
| | - Sean Commins
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, John Hume Building, North Campus, Maynooth, Co KildareW23 F2H6, Ireland
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van der Kuil MNA, Visser-Meily JMA, Evers AWM, van der Ham IJM. Navigation ability in patients with acquired brain injury: A population-wide online study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2021; 32:1405-1428. [PMID: 33715586 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2021.1893192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability to travel independently is a vital part of an autonomous life. It is important to investigate to what degree people with acquired brain injuries (ABI) suffer from navigation impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of objective and subjective navigation impairments in the population of ABI patients. A large-scale online navigation study was conducted with 435 ABI patients and 7474 healthy controls. Participants studied a route through a virtual environment and completed 5 navigation tasks that assessed distinct functional components of navigation ability. Subjective navigation abilities were assessed using the Wayfinding questionnaire. Patients were matched to controls using propensity score matching. Overall, performance on objective navigation tasks was significantly lower in the ABI population compared to the healthy controls. The landmark recognition, route continuation and allocentric location knowledge tasks were most vulnerable to brain injury. The prevalence of subjective navigation impairments was higher in the ABI population compared to the healthy controls. In conclusion, a substantial proportion (39.1%) of the ABI population reports navigation impairments. We advocate the evaluation of objective and subjective navigation ability in neuropsychological assessments of ABI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N A van der Kuil
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J M A Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A W M Evers
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Medical Delta, Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - I J M van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Jonson M, Avramescu S, Chen D, Alam F. The Role of Virtual Reality in Screening, Diagnosing, and Rehabilitating Spatial Memory Deficits. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:628818. [PMID: 33613216 PMCID: PMC7893135 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.628818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of spatial memory, including an inability to recall previous locations and navigate the world, is often one of the first signs of functional disability on the road to cognitive impairment. While there are many screening and diagnostic tools which attempt to measure spatial memory ability, they are often not representative of real-life situations and can therefore lack applicability. One potential solution to this problem involves the use of virtual reality (VR), which immerses individuals in a virtually-simulated environment, allowing for scenarios more representative of real-life without any of the associated risks. Here, we review the evidence surrounding the use of VR for the screening and diagnosis of spatial memory impairments, including potential limitations and how it compares to standard neuropsychological tests. We will also discuss the evidence regarding the potential use of VR in the rehabilitation of spatial memory deficits, which has not been well studied, but which could be game-changing if proven successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Jonson
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinziana Avramescu
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, Humber River Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Fahad Alam
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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van der Kuil MNA, Evers AWM, Visser-Meily JMA, van der Ham IJM. The Effectiveness of Home-Based Training Software Designed to Influence Strategic Navigation Preferences in Healthy Subjects. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:76. [PMID: 32256327 PMCID: PMC7092635 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One approach to the rehabilitation of navigation impairments is to train the use of compensatory egocentric or allocentric navigation strategies. Yet, it is unknown whether and to what degree training programs can influence strategic navigation preferences. In validating this approach, the key assumption that strategic preference can be changed by using a navigation training was assessed in a group of healthy participants (n = 82). The training program consisted of a psychoeducation session and a software package that included either allocentric or egocentric navigation exercises in virtual environments. Strategic navigation preference, objective and self-reported spatial abilities were assessed in pre- and post-training sessions. Based on their pre-training strategic preference, participants received either the egocentric training (n = 19) or the allocentric training (n = 21) version of the training. These participants engaged in four training sessions over a period of 2-3 weeks. The second group of participants did not use the training software (n = 43) and served as a control group. The results show that 50% of participants that received the egocentric training shifted from an allocentric to and an egocentric strategic preference. The proportion of participants that switched their strategic preference as a result of the allocentric training was identical to this proportion in the control group (19%). The training did not affect objective and self-reported navigation abilities as measured in the pre- and post-training sessions. We conclude that strategic navigation preferences can be influenced by using home-based training in healthy participants. However, using the current approach, only a preference shift from an allocentric to an egocentric navigation strategy could be achieved. The effectiveness of this navigation strategy training should next be assessed in relevant patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan N A van der Kuil
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ineke J M van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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12
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Teghil A, Boccia M, Bonavita A, Guariglia C. Temporal features of spatial knowledge: Representing order and duration of topographical information. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112218. [PMID: 31499091 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental navigation entails the constant integration of information across space and time; however, the relation between spatial and temporal features involved in wayfinding has not been fully established yet. Here we investigated how two key spatio-temporal aspects of navigation - namely the processing of information concerning the order of landmarks along a route, and the duration of tracts connecting the same landmarks - relate to different types of navigational learning. Participants encoded a path in a real city in both a route and a survey format, and the acquisition of landmark, route and survey knowledge was tested. Participants' knowledge of landmarks order, and their perception of tracts duration were also assessed. Performance in the survey task, but not in the landmark and route tasks, significantly predicted accuracy in landmark ordering. The influence of tract length on retrospectively estimated tracts duration was also found to be significantly predicted only by accuracy in the survey learning task. These results support recent models of spatial navigation, invoking the dynamic interaction between different representation formats. Furthermore, they are consistent with theoretical views of an integrated account of the role of the hippocampus in navigation and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Teghil
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Boccia
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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13
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de Rooij NK, Claessen MHG, van der Ham IJM, Post MWM, Visser-Meily JMA. The Wayfinding Questionnaire: A clinically useful self-report instrument to identify navigation complaints in stroke patients. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2017; 29:1042-1061. [DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1347098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. K. de Rooij
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M. H. G. Claessen
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I. J. M. van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M. W. M. Post
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. M. A. Visser-Meily
- Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Claessen MHG, Visser-Meily JMA, Meilinger T, Postma A, de Rooij NK, van der Ham IJM. A systematic investigation of navigation impairment in chronic stroke patients: Evidence for three distinct types. Neuropsychologia 2017; 103:154-161. [PMID: 28684296 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a recent systematic review, Claessen and van der Ham (2017) have analyzed the types of navigation impairment in the single-case study literature. Three dissociable types related to landmarks, locations, and paths were identified. This recent model as well as previous models of navigation impairment have never been verified in a systematic manner. The aim of the current study was thus to investigate the prevalence of landmark-based, location-based, and path-based navigation impairment in a large sample of stroke patients. METHOD Navigation ability of 77 stroke patients in the chronic phase and 60 healthy participants was comprehensively evaluated using the Virtual Tübingen test, which contains twelve subtasks addressing various aspects of knowledge about landmarks, locations, and paths based on a newly learned virtual route. Participants also filled out the Wayfinding Questionnaire to allow for making a distinction between stroke patients with and without significant subjective navigation-related complaints. RESULTS Analysis of responses on the Wayfinding Questionnaire indicated that 33 of the 77 participating stroke patients had significant navigation-related complaints. An examination of their performance on the Virtual Tübingen test established objective evidence for navigation impairment in 27 patients. Both landmark-based and path-based navigation impairment occurred in isolation, while location-based navigation impairment was only found along with the other two types. CONCLUSIONS The current study provides the first empirical support for the distinction between landmark-based, location-based, and path-based navigation impairment. Future research relying on other assessment instruments of navigation ability might be helpful to further validate this distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel H G Claessen
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands; Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Meilinger
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Albert Postma
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolien K de Rooij
- Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke J M van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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Dissociations between Spatial and Temporal Order Memory: A Neuropsychological Patient Study. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2017; 23:421-430. [PMID: 28481196 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617717000212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In complex real life situations, memories for temporal and spatial information are naturally linked since sequential events coincide in time and space. Whether this connection is inseparable or instead whether these processes are functionally dissociable was investigated in this patient study. METHODS Spatial object-location and temporal order memory tasks were administered to 36 stroke patients and 44 healthy control participants. RESULTS On group level, patients with a stroke in the left hemisphere performed worse on temporal order memory, compared to the control participants. On individual level, using a multiple case-study approach, a clear pattern of dissociations was found between memory for temporal and for spatial features. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that location and temporal order memory contain functionally separable processes. This adds to our understanding of how context information is processed in human memory. (JINS, 2017, 23, 421-430).
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van der Ham IJ, Martens MA, Claessen MH, van den Berg E. Landmark Agnosia: Evaluating the Definition of Landmark-based Navigation Impairment. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2017; 32:472-482. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acx013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Claessen MH, van der Ham IJ. Classification of navigation impairment: A systematic review of neuropsychological case studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 73:81-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Claessen MHG, Visser-Meily JMA, de Rooij NK, Postma A, van der Ham IJM. The Wayfinding Questionnaire as a Self-report Screening Instrument for Navigation-related Complaints After Stroke: Internal Validity in Healthy Respondents and Chronic Mild Stroke Patients. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 31:839-854. [PMID: 27506237 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acw044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In current stroke care, cognitive problems are usually diagnosed in a stepwise manner. More specifically, screening instruments are first applied to support healthcare professionals in deciding whether a second step (an extensive assessment) would be appropriate. None of the existing screening instruments, however, takes navigation ability into account. This is problematic, as navigation impairment after stroke has been shown to be common, more so than previously thought. The Wayfinding Questionnaire (WQ) is therefore presented as a screening instrument for navigation-related complaints after stroke. The internal validity of the WQ was investigated in two samples of participants to establish the final version. METHOD AND RESULTS In Study 1, the WQ was administered in a representative sample of 356 healthy participants. Its factor structure was investigated using a principal component analysis. This procedure resulted in deletion of four items and revealed a three-factor structure: "Navigation and Orientation," "Spatial Anxiety," and "Distance Estimation". In Study 2, a confirmatory analysis was performed to directly verify the factor structure as obtained in Study 1 based on data of 158 chronic mild stroke patients. Fit indices of the confirmatory analysis indicated acceptable model fit. The reliability of the three subscales was found to be very good in both healthy participants and patients. CONCLUSIONS These studies allowed us to determine the final version of the WQ. The results indicated that the WQ is an internally valid and reliable instrument that can be interpreted using a three-factor structure in both healthy respondents and chronic mild stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel H G Claessen
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolien K de Rooij
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Postma
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke J M van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Meilinger T, Strickrodt M, Bülthoff HH. Qualitative differences in memory for vista and environmental spaces are caused by opaque borders, not movement or successive presentation. Cognition 2016; 155:77-95. [PMID: 27367592 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Two classes of space define our everyday experience within our surrounding environment: vista spaces, such as rooms or streets which can be perceived from one vantage point, and environmental spaces, for example, buildings and towns which are grasped from multiple views acquired during locomotion. However, theories of spatial representations often treat both spaces as equal. The present experiments show that this assumption cannot be upheld. Participants learned exactly the same layout of objects either within a single room or spread across multiple corridors. By utilizing a pointing and a placement task we tested the acquired configurational memory. In Experiment 1 retrieving memory of the object layout acquired in environmental space was affected by the distance of the traveled path and the order in which the objects were learned. In contrast, memory retrieval of objects learned in vista space was not bound to distance and relied on different ordering schemes (e.g., along the layout structure). Furthermore, spatial memory of both spaces differed with respect to the employed reference frame orientation. Environmental space memory was organized along the learning experience rather than layout intrinsic structure. In Experiment 2 participants memorized the object layout presented within the vista space room of Experiment 1 while the learning procedure emulated environmental space learning (movement, successive object presentation). Neither factor rendered similar results as found in environmental space learning. This shows that memory differences between vista and environmental space originated mainly from the spatial compartmentalization which was unique to environmental space learning. Our results suggest that transferring conclusions from findings obtained in vista space to environmental spaces and vice versa should be made with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Meilinger
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany.
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20
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A Direct Comparison of Real-World and Virtual Navigation Performance in Chronic Stroke Patients. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2016; 22:467-77. [PMID: 26689246 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617715001228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An increasing number of studies have presented evidence that various patient groups with acquired brain injury suffer from navigation problems in daily life. This skill is, however, scarcely addressed in current clinical neuropsychological practice and suitable diagnostic instruments are lacking. Real-world navigation tests are limited by geographical location and associated with practical constraints. It was, therefore, investigated whether virtual navigation might serve as a useful alternative. METHODS To investigate the convergent validity of virtual navigation testing, performance on the Virtual Tubingen test was compared to that on an analogous real-world navigation test in 68 chronic stroke patients. The same eight subtasks, addressing route and survey knowledge aspects, were assessed in both tests. In addition, navigation performance of stroke patients was compared to that of 44 healthy controls. RESULTS A correlation analysis showed moderate overlap (r = .535) between composite scores of overall real-world and virtual navigation performance in stroke patients. Route knowledge composite scores correlated somewhat stronger (r = .523) than survey knowledge composite scores (r = .442). When comparing group performances, patients obtained lower scores than controls on seven subtasks. Whereas the real-world test was found to be easier than its virtual counterpart, no significant interaction-effects were found between group and environment. CONCLUSIONS Given moderate overlap of the total scores between the two navigation tests, we conclude that virtual testing of navigation ability is a valid alternative to navigation tests that rely on real-world route exposure.
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Cogné M, Taillade M, N'Kaoua B, Tarruella A, Klinger E, Larrue F, Sauzéon H, Joseph PA, Sorita E. The contribution of virtual reality to the diagnosis of spatial navigation disorders and to the study of the role of navigational aids: A systematic literature review. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2016; 60:164-176. [PMID: 27017533 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spatial navigation, which involves higher cognitive functions, is frequently implemented in daily activities, and is critical to the participation of human beings in mainstream environments. Virtual reality is an expanding tool, which enables on one hand the assessment of the cognitive functions involved in spatial navigation, and on the other the rehabilitation of patients with spatial navigation difficulties. Topographical disorientation is a frequent deficit among patients suffering from neurological diseases. The use of virtual environments enables the information incorporated into the virtual environment to be manipulated empirically. But the impact of manipulations seems differ according to their nature (quantity, occurrence, and characteristics of the stimuli) and the target population. METHODS We performed a systematic review of research on virtual spatial navigation covering the period from 2005 to 2015. We focused first on the contribution of virtual spatial navigation for patients with brain injury or schizophrenia, or in the context of ageing and dementia, and then on the impact of visual or auditory stimuli on virtual spatial navigation. RESULTS On the basis of 6521 abstracts identified in 2 databases (Pubmed and Scopus) with the keywords « navigation » and « virtual », 1103 abstracts were selected by adding the keywords "ageing", "dementia", "brain injury", "stroke", "schizophrenia", "aid", "help", "stimulus" and "cue"; Among these, 63 articles were included in the present qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION Unlike pencil-and-paper tests, virtual reality is useful to assess large-scale navigation strategies in patients with brain injury or schizophrenia, or in the context of ageing and dementia. Better knowledge about both the impact of the different aids and the cognitive processes involved is essential for the use of aids in neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cogné
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, centre hospitalier universitaire, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
| | - M Taillade
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - B N'Kaoua
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut national de recherche en informatique et automatique (INRIA), 33405 Talence cedex, France
| | - A Tarruella
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut de formation en ergothérapie, centre hospitalier universitaire, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - E Klinger
- Laboratoire interactions numériques santé handicap, ESIEA, 53000 Laval, France
| | - F Larrue
- Laboratoire Bordelais de recherche en informatique (LaBRI), université de Bordeaux, 33045 Bordeaux, France
| | - H Sauzéon
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut national de recherche en informatique et automatique (INRIA), 33405 Talence cedex, France
| | - P-A Joseph
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, centre hospitalier universitaire, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - E Sorita
- EA4136 handicap et système nerveux, université de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut de formation en ergothérapie, centre hospitalier universitaire, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Abstract
Memory problems and changes in hippocampal structures after chronic ecstasy use are well described in the literature. Cognitive problems after incidental ecstasy use are rare, and the few patients described in case reports returned to their normal cognitive level after a relative short period. FV is a 39-year-old man who used an ecstasy tablet in 2005. This resulted in severe confusion for a few days. The confusion was followed by persistent memory complaints and difficulties orientating in new surroundings. An extensive neuropsychological examination 7 years after the ecstasy use revealed a severe memory disorder. Furthermore, his performance on a virtual reality test of navigation showed serious problems navigating in new surroundings. In comparison with matched control subjects (Bayesian approach for single case studies) his scores were significantly impaired on several subtasks of the navigation test. On a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain bilateral hippocampal atrophy and sclerosis were visible, comparable to previous MRI studies describing hippocampal damage following ecstasy ingestion. This case report describes persistent memory and navigation disorders after sporadic ecstasy use, supported by structural brain abnormalities seen on the MRI scan. These findings revive the debate on whether sporadic ecstasy use can cause persistent cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ruis
- a Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
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23
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Oudman E, Van der Stigchel S, Nijboer TC, Wijnia JW, Seekles ML, Postma A. Route learning in Korsakoff's syndrome: Residual acquisition of spatial memory despite profound amnesia. J Neuropsychol 2014; 10:90-103. [DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oudman
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
- Slingedael Korsakoff Center; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Van der Stigchel
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
| | - Tanja C.W. Nijboer
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus; Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine; University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus; University Medical Center Utrecht; The Netherlands
| | - Jan W. Wijnia
- Slingedael Korsakoff Center; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - Maaike L. Seekles
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
| | - Albert Postma
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus; University Medical Center Utrecht; The Netherlands
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Abstract
Recent advances in neuroimaging and neural recording techniques have enabled researchers to make significant progress in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying human spatial navigation. Because these techniques generally require participants to remain stationary, computer-generated virtual environments are used. We introduce PandaEPL, a programming library for the Python language designed to simplify the creation of computer-controlled spatial-navigation experiments. PandaEPL is built on top of Panda3D, a modern open-source game engine. It allows users to construct three-dimensional environments that participants can navigate from a first-person perspective. Sound playback and recording and also joystick support are provided through the use of additional optional libraries. PandaEPL also handles many tasks common to all cognitive experiments, including managing configuration files, logging all internal and participant-generated events, and keeping track of the experiment state. We describe how PandaEPL compares with other software for building spatial-navigation experiments and walk the reader through the process of creating a fully functional experiment.
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Postma A, van Oers M, Back F, Plukaard S. Losing Your Car in the Parking Lot: Spatial Memory in the Real World. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.2844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marijn van Oers
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; Utrecht; The Netherlands
| | - Florinda Back
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute; Utrecht University; Utrecht; The Netherlands
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