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Sarasso P, Ronga I, Piovesan F, Barbieri P, Del Fante E, De Luca D, Bechis L, Osello A, Sacco K. Shared attention in virtual immersive reality enhances electrophysiological correlates of implicit sensory learning. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3767. [PMID: 38355691 PMCID: PMC10866920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53937-w] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Shared attention effects on learning and memory demonstrate that experiences are amplified when we are not alone. Virtual reality poses new challenges to the study of co-presence. Above all, is coattending together with someone else's avatar in an immersive VR setting comparable with shared experiences at a neural processing level? In the present study we investigate shared attention effects in VR for the first time. We recorded mismatch negativities (MMN) during an auditory roving paradigm, a well-known index of implicit perceptual learning. EEG responses to deviant and standard sounds were registered while subjects were alone (Solo condition) or together (Other condition) with a virtual avatar (Virtual scenario) or physically present confederate (Physical scenario). We found an overall main effect of co-presence on MMN revealed by a point-by-point 2 × 2 ANOVA, thereby replicating previous studies on physical co-presence. Additionally, we found no significant interaction between the scenario (Physical vs. Virtual) and co-presence (Solo vs. Other). Our results indicate that virtual immersive co-presence mimics physical co-presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Sarasso
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Ronga
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesca Piovesan
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Barbieri
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Del Fante
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela De Luca
- VR@POLITO, Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ludovico Bechis
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Osello
- VR@POLITO, Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Sacco
- BIP (BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes) Research Group, Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Verdi, 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
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Cogné M, Delayre A, Coignard P, Le Guiet JL, Joseph PA, Bonan I, Sorita E, Le Gall C, Azouvi P. Combined visual and auditory cues do not improve virtual spatial navigation after traumatic brain injury. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2023; 66:101758. [PMID: 37276775 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2023.101758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Cogné
- Rehabilitation Unit, Rennes University Hospital, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000 France; INSERM Unit « Psychiatrie du Développement », Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, UMR 1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, France; Rehabilitation Unit, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France.
| | - Arthur Delayre
- Rehabilitation Unit, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France.
| | - Pauline Coignard
- Rehabilitation Unit, Kerpape Rehabilitation Center, BP 78, 56275 Ploemeur Cedex; APPROCHE association, CMRRF de Kerpape, BP78, 56275 Ploemeur Cedex.
| | - Jean-Luc Le Guiet
- Rehabilitation Unit, Kerpape Rehabilitation Center, BP 78, 56275 Ploemeur Cedex.
| | - Pierre-Alain Joseph
- APPROCHE association, CMRRF de Kerpape, BP78, 56275 Ploemeur Cedex; EA4136, Bordeaux University, France; Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital of Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Bonan
- Rehabilitation Unit, Rennes University Hospital, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000 France; Empenn Unit, INSERM, INRIA, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
| | - Eric Sorita
- EA4136, Bordeaux University, France; BPH INSERM U1219 Equipe ACTIVE, Bordeaux University.
| | - Claire Le Gall
- University of Western Brittany, 22, rue Camille Desmoulins, CS93837, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France.
| | - Philippe Azouvi
- INSERM Unit « Psychiatrie du Développement », Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, UMR 1018, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, France; Rehabilitation Unit, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380 Garches, France.
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Betts K, Reddy P, Galoyan T, Delaney B, McEachron DL, Izzetoglu K, Shewokis PA. An Examination of the Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Spatial Visualization and Transfer of Learning. Brain Sci 2023; 13:890. [PMID: 37371368 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060890] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial visualization ability (SVA) has been identified as a potential key factor for academic achievement and student retention in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in higher education, especially for engineering and related disciplines. Prior studies have shown that training using virtual reality (VR) has the potential to enhance learning through the use of more realistic and/or immersive experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VR-based training using spatial visualization tasks on participant performance and mental workload using behavioral (i.e., time spent) and functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain-imaging-technology-derived measures. Data were collected from 10 first-year biomedical engineering students, who engaged with a custom-designed spatial visualization gaming application over a six-week training protocol consisting of tasks and procedures that varied in task load and spatial characteristics. Findings revealed significant small (Cohen's d: 0.10) to large (Cohen's d: 2.40) effects of task load and changes in the spatial characteristics of the task, such as orientation or position changes, on time spent and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) measures from all the prefrontal cortex (PFC) areas. Transfer had a large (d = 1.37) significant effect on time spent and HbO measures from right anterior medial PFC (AMPFC); while training had a moderate (d = 0.48) significant effect on time spent and HbR measures from left AMPFC. The findings from this study have important implications for VR training, research, and instructional design focusing on enhancing the learning, retention, and transfer of spatial skills within and across various VR-based training scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Betts
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pratusha Reddy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tamara Galoyan
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian Delaney
- School of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Donald L McEachron
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kurtulus Izzetoglu
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patricia A Shewokis
- School of Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- College of Nursing & Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Waddington EE, Heisz JJ. Orienteering experts report more proficient spatial processing and memory across adulthood. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280435. [PMID: 36662692 PMCID: PMC9858405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The closest surrogate to hunter-gather activity is the sport of orienteering, which naturally and simultaneously combines high-intensity interval exercise with navigation. Although human cognition can be improved across the lifespan through exercise and cognitive training, interventions like orienteering may be especially effective because they resemble activities engaged in by prehistoric humans during evolution. The present study tested whether orienteering experts have better hippocampal-dependent cognitive function than active, non-orienteering controls. One-hundred and fifty-eight healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 87 years old with varying experience in orienteering (none, intermediate, advanced, elite) reported on their spatial processing, spatial memory and episodic memory using the Navigational Strategy Questionnaire and the Survey of Autobiographical Memory. Orienteering experts reported greater use of allocentric and egocentric spatial processing and better spatial memory than controls. In contrast, episodic memory was not associated with orienteering expertise. Notably, the significant effects of orienteering on spatial cognition remained even after controlling for age, sex, and physical activity, suggesting that orienteering may be an effective intervention to prevent age-related cognitive decline in spatial navigation and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Waddington
- Faculty of Science, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer J. Heisz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Ferraris C, Ronga I, Pratola R, Coppo G, Bosso T, Falco S, Amprimo G, Pettiti G, Lo Priore S, Priano L, Mauro A, Desideri D. Usability of the REHOME Solution for the Telerehabilitation in Neurological Diseases: Preliminary Results on Motor and Cognitive Platforms. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9467. [PMID: 36502170 PMCID: PMC9740672 DOI: 10.3390/s22239467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The progressive aging of the population and the consequent growth of individuals with neurological diseases and related chronic disabilities, will lead to a general increase in the costs and resources needed to ensure treatment and care services. In this scenario, telemedicine and e-health solutions, including remote monitoring and rehabilitation, are attracting increasing interest as tools to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system or, at least, to support the burden for health care facilities. Technological advances in recent decades have fostered the development of dedicated and innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based solutions, with the aim of complementing traditional care and treatment services through telemedicine applications that support new patient and disease management strategies. This is the background for the REHOME project, whose technological solution, presented in this paper, integrates innovative methodologies and devices for remote monitoring and rehabilitation of cognitive, motor, and sleep disorders associated with neurological diseases. One of the primary goals of the project is to meet the needs of patients and clinicians, by ensuring continuity of treatment from healthcare facilities to the patient's home. To this end, it is important to ensure the usability of the solution by elderly and pathological individuals. Preliminary results of usability and user experience questionnaires on 70 subjects recruited in three experimental trials are presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ferraris
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, National Research Council, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Ronga
- BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Pratola
- Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A., 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Coppo
- Synarea Consultants s.r.l., 10153 Turin, Italy
| | - Tea Bosso
- BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Geriatrics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Falco
- BraIn Plasticity and Behaviour Changes Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Clinical Pyschology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Amprimo
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, National Research Council, 10129 Turin, Italy
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pettiti
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering, National Research Council, 10129 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Priano
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, S. Giuseppe Hospital, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, S. Giuseppe Hospital, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Debora Desideri
- Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A., 00144 Rome, Italy
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Could an Immersive Virtual Reality Training Improve Navigation Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy? A Pilot Controlled Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206146. [PMID: 36294467 PMCID: PMC9604863 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) suffer deficits in their motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities, as well as in their visuospatial competences. In the last years, several authors have tried to correlate the visuospatial abilities with the navigational ones. Given their importance in everyday functions, navigation skills have been deeply studied using increasingly cutting-edge techniques such as virtual reality (VR). However, to our knowledge, there are no studies focused on training using immersive VR (IVR) in children with movement disorders. For this reason, we proposed an IVR training to 35 young participants with CP and conceived to improve their navigation skills in a “simil-real” environment while playing on a dynamic platform. A subgroup performed a part of the training which was specifically dedicated to the use of the allocentric strategy (i.e., looking for landmarks) to navigate the virtual environment. We then compared the children’s navigation and spatial skills pre- and post-intervention. All the children improved their visual–spatial abilities; particularly, if the IVR activities specifically trained their ability to look for landmarks and use them to navigate. The results of this work highlight the potential of an IVR training program to increase the navigation abilities of patients with CPs.
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