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Norwood MF, Painter DR, Marsh CH, Reid C, Hine T, Harvie DS, Jones S, Dungey K, Chen B, Libera M, Gan L, Bernhardt J, Kendall E, Zeeman H. The attention atlas virtual reality platform maps three-dimensional (3D) attention in unilateral spatial neglect patients: a protocol. BRAIN IMPAIR 2023; 24:548-567. [PMID: 38167362 DOI: 10.1017/brimp.2022.15] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in visuospatial attention, known as neglect, are common following brain injury, but underdiagnosed and poorly treated, resulting in long-term cognitive disability. In clinical settings, neglect is often assessed using simple pen-and-paper tests. While convenient, these cannot characterise the full spectrum of neglect. This protocol reports a research programme that compares traditional neglect assessments with a novel virtual reality attention assessment platform: The Attention Atlas (AA). METHODS/DESIGN The AA was codesigned by researchers and clinicians to meet the clinical need for improved neglect assessment. The AA uses a visual search paradigm to map the attended space in three dimensions and seeks to identify the optimal parameters that best distinguish neglect from non-neglect, and the spectrum of neglect, by providing near-time feedback to clinicians on system-level behavioural performance. A series of experiments will address procedural, scientific, patient, and clinical feasibility domains. RESULTS Analyses focuses on descriptive measures of reaction time, accuracy data for target localisation, and histogram-based raycast attentional mapping analysis; which measures the individual's orientation in space, and inter- and intra-individual variation of visuospatial attention. We will compare neglect and control data using parametric between-subjects analyses. We present example individual-level results produced in near-time during visual search. CONCLUSIONS The development and validation of the AA is part of a new generation of translational neuroscience that exploits the latest advances in technology and brain science, including technology repurposed from the consumer gaming market. This approach to rehabilitation has the potential for highly accurate, highly engaging, personalised care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Francis Norwood
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - David Ross Painter
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Chelsea Hannah Marsh
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Connor Reid
- Technical Partners Health (TPH), Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor Hine
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel S Harvie
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation in Health (IIMPACT in Health), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan Jones
- Neurosciences Rehabilitation Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly Dungey
- Neurosciences Rehabilitation Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Chen
- Allied Health and Rehabilitation, Emergency and Specialty Services, Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Marilia Libera
- Psychology Department, Logan Hospital, Logan, QLD, Australia
| | - Leslie Gan
- Rehabilitation Unit, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie Bernhardt
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Kendall
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
| | - Heidi Zeeman
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
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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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Singh NR, Leff AP. Advances in the Rehabilitation of Hemispatial Inattention. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:33-48. [PMID: 36869185 PMCID: PMC10011344 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01252-8] [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] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There continue to be a plethora of approaches to the rehabilitation of hemispatial inattention, from different forms of sensory stimulation (visual, auditory and somatosensory feedback), through all major modes of non-invasive brain stimulation to drug therapies. Here we summarise trials published in the years 2017-2022 and tabulate their effect sizes, with the aim of drawing on common themes that may serve to inform future rehabilitative studies. RECENT FINDINGS Immersive virtual reality approaches to visual stimulation seem well tolerated, although they have yet to yield any clinically relevant improvements. Dynamic auditory stimulation looks very promising and has high potential for implementation. Robotic interventions are limited by their cost and are perhaps best suited to patients with a co-occurring hemiparesis. Regarding brain stimulation, rTMS continues to demonstrate moderate effects but tDCS studies have yielded disappointing results so far. Drugs, primarily aimed at the dopaminergic system, often demonstrate beneficial effects of a medium size, but as with many of the approaches, it seems difficult to predict responders and non-responders. Our main recommendation is that researchers consider incorporating single-case experimental designs into their studies as rehabilitation trials are likely to remain small in terms of patient numbers, and this is the best way to deal with all the factors that cause large between-subject heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena R Singh
- UCL Queen Square institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Institute, Cleveland Clinic London, London, UK
| | - Alexander P Leff
- UCL Queen Square institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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Kunkel genannt Bode L, Schulte AS, Hauptmann B, Münte TF, Sprenger A, Machner B. Gaze-contingent display technology can help to reduce the ipsilesional attention bias in hemispatial neglect following stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:125. [DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hemispatial neglect results from unilateral brain damage and represents a disabling unawareness for objects in the hemispace opposite the brain lesion (contralesional). The patients’ attentional bias for ipsilesional hemispace represents a hallmark of neglect, which results from an imbalanced attentional priority map in the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gaze-contingent display (GCD) technology, reducing the visual salience of objects in ipsilesional hemispace, is able to rebalance this map and increase awareness and exploration of objects in the neglected contralesional hemispace.
Methods
Using remote eye-tracking, we recorded gaze positions in 19 patients with left hemispatial neglect following right-hemisphere stroke and 22 healthy control subjects, while they were watching static naturalistic scenes. There were two task conditions, free viewing (FV) or goal-directed visual search (VS), and four modification conditions including the unmodified original picture, a purely static modification and two differently strong modifications with an additional gaze-contingent mask (GC-LOW, GC-HIGH), that continuously reduced color saturation and contrast of objects in the right hemispace.
Results
The patients’ median gaze position (Center of Fixation) in the original pictures was markedly deviated to the right in both tasks (FV: 6.8° ± 0.8; VS: 5.5° ± 0.7), reflecting the neglect-typical ipsilesional attention bias. GC modification significantly reduced this bias in FV (GC-HIGH: d = − 3.2 ± 0.4°; p < 0.001). Furthermore, in FV and VS, GC modification increased the likelihood to start visual exploration in the (neglected) left hemifield by about 20%. This alleviation of the ipsilesional fixation bias was not associated with an improvement in detecting left-side targets, in contrast, the GC mask even decreased and slowed the detection of right-side targets. Subjectively, patients found the intervention pleasant and most of the patients did not notice any modification.
Conclusions
GCD technology can be used to positively influence visual exploration patterns in patients with hemispatial neglect. Despite an alleviation of the neglect-related ipsilesional fixation bias, a concomitant functional benefit (improved detection of contralesional targets) was not achieved. Future studies may investigate individualized GCD-based modifications as augmented reality applications during the activities of daily living.
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Geiser N, Kaufmann BC, Rühe H, Maaijwee N, Nef T, Cazzoli D, Nyffeler T. Visual Neglect after PICA Stroke-A Case Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020290. [PMID: 35204053 PMCID: PMC8869876 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After cerebellar stroke, cognition can be impaired, as described within the framework of the so-called Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS). However, it remains unclear whether visual neglect can also be part of CCAS. We describe the case of a patient with a subacute cerebellar stroke after thrombosis of the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), who showed a left-sided visual neglect, indicating that the cerebellum also has a modulatory function on visual attention. The neglect, however, was mild and only detectable when using the sensitive neuro-psychological Five-Point Test as well as video-oculography assessment, yet remained unnoticed when evaluated with common neglect-specific paper-pencil tests. Three weeks later, follow-up assessments revealed an amelioration of neglect symptoms. Therefore, these findings suggest that visual neglect may be a part of CCAS, but that the choice of neglect assessments and the time delay since stroke onset may be crucial. Although the exact underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, we propose cerebellar-cerebral diaschisis as a possible explanation of why neglect can occur on the ipsilateral side. Further research applying sensitive assessment tools at different post-stroke stages is needed to investigate the incidence, lesion correlates, and pathophysiology of neglect after cerebellar lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Geiser
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Brigitte Charlotte Kaufmann
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Institut du Cerveau—Paris Brain Institute—ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Henrik Rühe
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Noortje Maaijwee
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Tobias Nef
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Dario Cazzoli
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nyffeler
- Neurocenter, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (N.G.); (B.C.K.); (H.R.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-41-205-5686
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Kaufmann B, Cazzoli D, Bartolomeo P, Frey J, Pflugshaupt T, Knobel S, Nef T, Müri R, Nyffeler T. Auditory spatial cueing reduces neglect after right-hemispheric stroke: a proof of concept study. Cortex 2022; 148:152-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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