1
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Yacoub N, Lakusta L, Yang Y. Sex differences in direction giving: Are boys better than girls? J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 244:105958. [PMID: 38788247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105958] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has extensively documented sex differences favoring boys in various domains of spatial cognition. However, relatively little research has examined sex differences in children's direction giving. The current study aimed to bridge this gap. A total of 143 children aged 3 to 10 years were asked to describe and recall routes from survey perspectives (via maps) and route perspectives (via videos). Significant sex effects (favoring boys) in direction-giving accuracy were found in describing route trials. However, boys and girls did not differ in the frequency of utterances encoding landmarks and direction of turns, suggesting that the quality rather than the quantity of words played a more important role in explaining sex differences. In addition, there was no sex difference in the route recall task. Although accuracy was overall higher in the map condition than in the video condition, it did not moderate sex differences. Overall, our study showed a robust sex difference in direction giving, which has important theoretical implications for understanding the development of human sex differences and critical clinical implications for designing training programs to improve children's spatial cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardin Yacoub
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Laura Lakusta
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Yingying Yang
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
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2
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Zorzo C, Arias JL, Méndez M. Are there sex differences in spatial reference memory in the Morris water maze? A large-sample experimental study. Learn Behav 2024; 52:179-190. [PMID: 37723403 PMCID: PMC11186955 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-023-00598-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences have been found in allocentric spatial learning and memory tasks, with the literature indicating that males outperform females, although this issue is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the behavior of male and female rats during the habituation and learning of a spatial memory task performed in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). The study included a large sample of 89 males and 85 females. We found that females searched slightly faster than males during habituation with a visible platform. During learning, both male and female rats decreased the latency and distance traveled to find the hidden platform over the days, with males outperforming females in the distance traveled. Females swam faster but did not find the platform earlier, suggesting a less directed navigational strategy. Both sexes increased time spent in the target zone over the days, with no sex differences. Although females swam more in the periphery during the first days of the task, both sexes decreased the time spent in this area. Finally, only males increased swimming in the pool's center over the days, spending more time than females in this area across the entire training. In conclusion, we need to register several variables in the MWM and analyze path strategies to obtain more robust results concerning sex differences. Research on spatial learning should include both sexes to achieve a more equitable, representative, and translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Zorzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Marta Méndez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituo de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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3
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Juan MC, Elexpuru J, Dias P, Santos BS, Amorim P. Immersive virtual reality for upper limb rehabilitation: comparing hand and controller interaction. VIRTUAL REALITY 2022; 27:1157-1171. [PMID: 36475065 PMCID: PMC9715412 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-022-00722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality shows great potential as an alternative to traditional therapies for motor rehabilitation given its ability to immerse the user in engaging scenarios that abstract them from medical facilities and tedious rehabilitation exercises. This paper presents a virtual reality application that includes three serious games and that was developed for motor rehabilitation. It uses a standalone headset and the user's hands without the need for any controller for interaction. Interacting with an immersive virtual reality environment using only natural hand gestures involves an interaction that is similar to that of real life, which would be especially desirable for patients with motor problems. A study involving 28 participants (4 with motor problems) was carried out to compare two types of interaction (hands vs. controllers). All of the participants completed the exercises. No significant differences were found in the number of attempts necessary to complete the games using the two types of interaction. The group that used controllers required less time to complete the exercise. The performance outcomes were independent of the gender and age of the participants. The subjective assessment of the participants with motor problems was not significantly different from the rest of the participants. With regard to the interaction type, the participants mostly preferred the interaction using their hands (78.5%). All four participants with motor problems preferred the hand interaction. These results suggest that the interaction with the user's hands together with standalone headsets could improve motivation, be well accepted by motor rehabilitation patients, and help to complete exercise therapy at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.-Carmen Juan
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera, S/N, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Julen Elexpuru
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, C/Camino de Vera, S/N, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paulo Dias
- Department of Electronics Telecommunications and Informatics (DETI), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Sousa Santos
- Department of Electronics Telecommunications and Informatics (DETI), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Amorim
- Centre Region Rehabilitation Medicine Centre Rovisco Pais (CMRRC-RP), Tocha, Portugal
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4
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Nguyen KV, Tansan M, Newcombe NS. Studying the Development of Navigation Using Virtual Environments. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2022; 24:1-16. [PMID: 37614812 PMCID: PMC10445272 DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2022.2133123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Research on spatial navigation is essential to understanding how mobile species adapt to their environments. Such research increasingly uses virtual environments (VEs) because, although VE has drawbacks, it allows for standardization of procedures, precision in measuring behaviors, ease in introducing variation, and cross-investigator comparability. Developmental researchers have used a wide range of VE testing methods, including desktop computers, gaming consoles, virtual reality, and phone applications. We survey the paradigms to guide researchers' choices, organizing them by their characteristics using a framework proposed by Girard (2022) in which navigation is reactive or deliberative, and may be tied to sensory input or not. This organization highlights what representations each paradigm indicates. VE tools have enriched our picture of the development of navigation, but much research remains to be done, e.g., determining retest reliability, comparing performance on different paradigms, validating performance against real-world behavior and open sharing. Reliable and valid assessments available on open-science repositories are essential for work on the development of navigation, its neural bases, and its implications for other cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim V Nguyen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University
| | - Merve Tansan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University
| | - Nora S Newcombe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University
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5
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Multisensory GPS impact on spatial representation in an immersive virtual reality driving game. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7401. [PMID: 35513403 PMCID: PMC9072375 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11124-9] [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: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals are increasingly relying on GPS devices to orient and find their way in their environment and research has pointed to a negative impact of navigational systems on spatial memory. We used immersive virtual reality to examine whether an audio–visual navigational aid can counteract the negative impact of visual only or auditory only GPS systems. We also examined the effect of spatial representation preferences and abilities when using different GPS systems. Thirty-four participants completed an IVR driving game including 4 GPS conditions (No GPS; audio GPS; visual GPS; audio–visual GPS). After driving one of the routes in one of the 4 GPS conditions, participants were asked to drive to a target landmark they had previously encountered. The audio–visual GPS condition returned more accurate performance than the visual and no GPS condition. General orientation ability predicted the distance to the target landmark for the visual and the audio–visual GPS conditions, while landmark preference predicted performance in the audio GPS condition. Finally, the variability in end distance to the target landmark was significantly reduced in the audio–visual GPS condition when compared to the visual and audio GPS conditions. These findings support theories of spatial cognition and inform the optimisation of GPS designs.
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6
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Nolé ML, Higuera-Trujillo JL, Llinares C. Effects of Classroom Design on the Memory of University Students: From a Gender Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179391. [PMID: 34501981 PMCID: PMC8431349 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Classroom design has important effects on the cognitive functions of students. However, this relationship has rarely been analysed in terms of gender. The aim of the present study, therefore, is to analyse the influence of different design variables (classroom geometry, wall colour, and artificial lighting) on university students’ memories from a gender perspective. To do so, 100 university students performed a memory task while visualising different design configurations using a virtual reality setup. Key results show that certain parameters, such as 5.23 m classroom width, 10,500 Kelvin lighting colour temperature, or the blue hue on the walls influence men and women in a similar way, while a purple hue or walls with low colour saturation can generate significantly different behaviour, especially in cognitive processes such as short-term memory. In this study, the use of virtual reality proved to be a useful tool to explore the design effects of virtual learning environments, increasingly present due to training trends and catalysed by the 2020 pandemic. This is a turning point and an international novelty as it will enable the design of classrooms (both physical and virtual) that maximise the cognitive functions of learners, regardless of gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Nolé
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Higuera-Trujillo
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Llinares
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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7
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Sex Differences and the Role of Gaming Experience in Spatial Cognition Performance in Primary School Children: An Exploratory Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070886. [PMID: 34356121 PMCID: PMC8301968 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are repeatedly observed in spatial cognition tasks. However, the role of environmental factors such as gaming experience remains unclear. In this exploratory study, navigation and object-relocation were combined in a naturalistic virtual reality-based spatial task. The sample consisted of n = 53 Dutch children aged 9–11 years. Overall, girls (n = 24) and boys (n = 29) performed equally accurately, although there was an increase in accuracy with age for boys (ηp2 = 0.09). Boys navigated faster than girls (ηp2 = 0.29), and this difference increased with age (ηp2 = 0.07). More gaming experience in boys versus girls (Cohen’s d = 0.88) did not explain any result observed. We encourage future confirmatory studies to use the paradigm presented here to investigate the current results in a larger sample. These findings could be beneficial for optimizing spatial cognition training interventions.
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8
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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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9
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De Pasquale C, Chiappedi M, Sciacca F, Martinelli V, Hichy Z. Online Videogames Use and Anxiety in Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8030205. [PMID: 33800320 PMCID: PMC8001544 DOI: 10.3390/children8030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Videogames use has constantly increased among children and adolescents, with uncertain consequences on their health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of videogames use and addiction in a sample of Italian children during the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with anxiety symptoms. One hundred and sixty-two children (M/F:78/84; age range: 8–10 years; average age 9.4 ± 0.7 years) completed the Videogame Addiction Scale for Children (VASC), the Test of Anxiety and Depression (TAD) and the Children’s Anxiety Meter—State (CAM-S). Demographic variables and data on the access to electronic tools and games preferences were also collected. Overall, 96.3% of the study participants stated to have access to one or more device. They reported a low risk of videogame addiction (VASC score (mean ± SD): 46.7 ± 15.4), a moderate level of trait anxiety (TAD score (mean ± SD): 135 ± 16.8) and a low state anxiety (CAM-S score (mean ± SD): 2.2 ± 2.1). Males reported to spend more time on videogames, to perceive higher self-control and to be more influenced by reinforcement mechanisms; females described higher levels of trait anxiety. In the regression analysis, state anxiety was a predictor of videogame use and addiction (p = 0.01). Further research is needed to confirm these data and to maximize the developmentally positive effects of videogames and preventing the negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta De Pasquale
- Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 90124 Catania, Italy; (C.D.P.); (F.S.); (Z.H.)
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Developmental Psychopathology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Sciacca
- Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 90124 Catania, Italy; (C.D.P.); (F.S.); (Z.H.)
| | - Valentina Martinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Zira Hichy
- Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 90124 Catania, Italy; (C.D.P.); (F.S.); (Z.H.)
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10
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Fernandez‐Baizan C, Arias JL, Mendez M. Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in young children: A comparison with young adults. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez‐Baizan
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA) 33003 Oviedo Spain
- Department of Psychology University of Oviedo 33003 Oviedo Spain
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11
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Munoz-Montoya F, Juan MC, Mendez-Lopez M, Molla R, Abad F, Fidalgo C. SLAM-based augmented reality for the assessment of short-term spatial memory. A comparative study of visual versus tactile stimuli. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245976. [PMID: 33539369 PMCID: PMC7861452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of human spatial short-term memory has mainly been performed using visual stimuli and less frequently using auditory stimuli. This paper presents a framework for the development of SLAM-based Augmented Reality applications for the assessment of spatial memory. An AR mobile application was developed for this type of assessment involving visual and tactile stimuli by using our framework. The task to be carried out with the AR application is divided into two phases: 1) a learning phase, in which participants physically walk around a room and have to remember the location of simple geometrical shapes; and 2) an evaluation phase, in which the participants are asked to recall the location of the shapes. A study for comparing the performance outcomes using visual and tactile stimuli was carried out. Fifty-three participants performed the task using the two conditions (Tactile vs Visual), but with more than two months of difference (within-subject design). The number of shapes placed correctly was similar for both conditions. However, the group that used the tactile stimulus spent significantly more time completing the task and required significantly more attempts. The performance outcomes were independent of gender. Some significant correlations among variables related to the performance outcomes and other tests were found. The following significant correlations among variables related to the performance outcomes using visual stimuli and the participants’ subjective variables were also found: 1) the greater the number of correctly placed shapes, the greater the perceived competence; 2) the more attempts required, the less the perceived competence. We also found that perceived enjoyment was higher when a higher sense of presence was induced. Our results suggest that tactile stimuli are valid stimuli to exploit for the assessment of the ability to memorize spatial-tactile associations, but that the ability to memorize spatial-visual associations is dominant. Our results also show that gender does not affect these types of memory tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Munoz-Montoya
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - M.-Carmen Juan
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Ramon Molla
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Abad
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Camino Fidalgo
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, IIS Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
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12
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Martins E Silva DC, Marinho V, Teixeira S, Teles G, Marques J, Escórcio A, Fernandes T, Freitas AC, Nunes M, Ayres M, Ayres C, Marques JB, Cagy M, Gupta DS, Bastos VH. Non-immersive 3D virtual stimulus alter the time production task performance and increase the EEG theta power in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Int J Neurosci 2020; 132:563-573. [PMID: 32962509 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1826945] [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: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The study investigated the cortical activity changes and time production task performance induced by changes in motion speed of a non-immersive 3D virtual stimulus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-one individuals were participated in the crossover study with the visual-time reproduction task under three-speed conditions: original, slow and fast virtual stimulus. In addition, the electroencephalographic analysis of the theta band power in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was done simultaneously with time production task execution. RESULTS The results demonstrated that in the slow speed condition, there is an increase in the error in the time production task after virtual reality (p < 0.05). There is also increased EEG theta power in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in all speed conditions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We propose that the modulations of speed of virtual stimulus may underlie the accumulation of temporal pulses, which could be responsible for changes in the performance of the production task of the time intervals and a substantial increase in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity related to attention and memory, acting in cognitive domains of supraseconds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Marinho
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.,The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.,The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Teles
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - João Marques
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Anderson Escórcio
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Thayaná Fernandes
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Freitas
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Monara Nunes
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.,The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Marcos Ayres
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.,The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Carla Ayres
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Juliana Bittencourt Marques
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neuropsychology of Attention, Veiga de Almeida University, Cabo Frio, Brazil
| | - Maurício Cagy
- Masters and PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daya S Gupta
- Department of Biology, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ, USA
| | - Victor Hugo Bastos
- Brain Mapping and Functionality, Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.,The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
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13
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Nuñez P, Arias JL, Mendez M. Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in typically developed children: Is spatial memory associated with visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol? Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01532. [PMID: 32170996 PMCID: PMC7218242 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spatial orientation relies mainly on two frameworks. The egocentric depends on our own position and point of view. The allocentric relies on remembering, recalling, and recognizing environmental stimuli called landmarks. The aim of this study was to analyze the egocentric and allocentric spatial memory performance in children of different ages using two experimental memory card-placing tasks. We also aimed to examine relationships between spatial memory and other cognitive, physiological, and behavioral factors that, potentially, could be associated with spatial memory performance. Those were other visuospatial functions, the regular behavior of the child, cortisol levels, and daily life spatial memory. METHODS We assessed 62 children (5, 6, and 7 years) using card-placing tasks. We used RIST for IQ evaluation and subtest from NEPSY-II for visuospatial ability assessment. Collection of saliva sample was carried out for cortisol analysis. Parents completed BASC questionnaire for behavioral evaluation and ECM-Q questionnaire for daily life spatial memory evaluation. RESULTS Our results showed that older children performed better on mental rotation. Directionality, map interpretation, and daily memory were directly associated with both egocentric and allocentric orientation. Egocentric performance was positively related to leadership abilities but negatively to depression and atypicality, while allocentric performance was directly associated with adaptive behavior but inversely with hyperactivity. Finally, cortisol values were positively associated with allocentric performance. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the development of different spatial abilities between 5 and 7 years, as well as the relationship between orientation performance, visuospatial skills, behavior, and cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez-Baizan
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paula Nuñez
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Faculty of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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14
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Alcántara-Canabal L, Solis G, Mendez M. Development of egocentric and allocentric spatial orientation abilities in children born preterm with very low birth weight. Early Hum Dev 2020; 141:104947. [PMID: 31918379 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very low birth weight preterm infants show neuropsychological alterations in functions such as memory or visuospatial skills, although certain related functions, such as spatial orientation, have not been studied. OBJECTIVES To compare children born preterm and at term between the ages of 5 and 7 years on egocentric and allocentric spatial orientation, and relate their performance to visuospatial skills, behavior, memory in daily environments, and perinatal risk factors. STUDY DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS 88 very low birth weight children born preterm and 59 controls. OUTCOME MEASURES IQ (RIST), visuospatial skills (NEPSY II: Route Finding and Geometric Puzzles), spatial orientation (Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory Test - Children's Version), behavior (BASC questionnaire for parents), memory in everyday environments (ECM-Q questionnaire for parents), and perinatal risk factors (collected from medical records). RESULTS Children born preterm obtain significantly lower scores than controls on the RIST, Route Finding, and Allocentric Spatial Memory Tests. Although spatial orientation is related to other neuropsychological variables in both premature and control children, there is no meaningful association with behavior or daily memory in children born preterm. The perinatal risk factors that are associated the most with visuospatial and orientation problems are surgical procedures and peri- and intraventricular hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS Children born preterm with low birth weight present difficulties in their spatial orientation, and for this reason, we propose including these types of tasks in the usual neuropsychological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez-Baizan
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Leticia Alcántara-Canabal
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Primary Care Center Paulino Prieto, Sanitary Area IV, Martínez Marina, 10, 33009 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Solis
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Pediatric Clinic Area, Neonatology, University Central Hospital of Asturias, Av. Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Marta Mendez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Faculty of Psychology, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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15
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Arias JL, Mendez M. Spatial orientation assessment in preschool children: Egocentric and allocentric frameworks. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:171-193. [PMID: 31268354 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1630278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Spatial orientation is an important function in daily life because it allows us to reach a target place when moving through our environment, using self-centered (egocentric) or environmental information (allocentric). Compared to other cognitive functions, spatial orientation has been studied less in preschool ages. Some brain areas, such as the hippocampus and the temporal as well as the parietal and frontal cortices, are involved in spatial orientation. Therefore, when these brain regions are altered in neurological conditions or in atypical development in children, we would expect impairment of spatial abilities. The aim of this study is to review studies, published in recent years, that use egocentric and allocentric spatial orientation tasks for assessing spatial memory in preschool children, with the final goal of finding out which tests could be included in a clinical neuropsychological evaluation. We observed that although egocentric spatial orientation emerges first during development, allocentric spatial orientation tasks are employed at very early ages. Most of these tasks are performed in real environments, allowing children's self-movements and using environmental modifications, but technologies such as virtual or augmented reality are increasingly used. Other aspects are discussed, such as the lack of consensus in the nomenclature, the difficulty of tracing the course of development of spatial orientation, or the ecological validity of the tests used. We finally observed that there is greater interest in studying the allocentric framework than the egocentric one, which makes it difficult to compare the use of the two frames of reference during a neuropsychological evaluation in preschool-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernandez-Baizan
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Mendez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
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16
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Diaz-Caceres E, Arias JL, Mendez M. Egocentric and allocentric spatial memory in healthy aging: performance on real-world tasks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 52:e8041. [PMID: 30994731 PMCID: PMC6472934 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20198041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although normal aging has been related to several cognitive difficulties, other processes have been studied less, such as spatial memory. Our aim was to compare egocentric and allocentric memory in an elderly population using ecological tasks. Twenty-eight cognitively unimpaired participants performed Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory Tasks, as well as Spatial Span from CANTAB, Benton's Judge of Line Orientation test (JoLO), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA). The results revealed that younger participants showed better performance than older participants on both the Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory Tasks, although only the Egocentric test was able to discriminate between younger, middle, and older elderly participants. Learning effect was found in Allocentric Spatial Memory Task in younger and older groups, but not in the middle group. Allocentric and egocentric performance was not related to other visuospatial neuropsychological scores and gender did not influence performance in any task. Egocentric and Allocentric Spatial Memory Tasks may be useful tools in early screening for cognitive decline, as they are able to detect age differences in the cognitive unimpaired elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fernandez-Baizan
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - E Diaz-Caceres
- Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Rehabilitation Services, Asturias Central University Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
| | - J L Arias
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - M Mendez
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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17
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Munoz-Montoya F, Fidalgo C, Juan MC, Mendez-Lopez M. Memory for Object Location in Augmented Reality: The Role of Gender and the Relationship Among Spatial and Anxiety Outcomes. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:113. [PMID: 31001098 PMCID: PMC6455057 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of augmented reality (AR) technology for the study of spatial memory and orientation is a new research field. AR defines systems that attempt to enhance the user’s experience with the physical world. In our app, we enhance the sense of sight by adding interactive 3D elements to the real environment. Our app can be used in any real environment so that the experimental conditions during the tasks and the way in which an individual navigates are similar to those used in real life. With AR, the experimenter has a high level of control of the task and can store the participant’s responses accurately. The classical factors that influence an individual’s performance on virtual spatial tasks are gender and cognitive factors. The influence of emotional factors on spatial performance has been studied more recently. Since AR tasks for the study of spatial memory and spatial orientation are new developments, little is known about the factors that are related to performance on tasks of this type. In our study, we tested 46 young adults (26 women) in an AR object-location task that was performed in a building. The participants had to memorize the position of eight virtual objects while they were walking through the environment. We also assessed the participants’ performance on an object-recall task, a map-pointing task, and a paper-and-pencil spatial orientation task. The self-reported importance of different spatial strategies for wayfinding and the levels of trait anxiety and wayfinding anxiety were also evaluated. Our findings indicate that men performed better on the spatial paper-and-pencil test and spent more time completing the learning phase of the AR task. The spatial memory for the location of the objects in AR and on the map correlated positively. Anxiety was related to individual differences in the self-reported use of a spatial orientation strategy, but the association among them was weak. Trait anxiety was positively related to the time employed by the participants during the learning phase of the AR task, whereas wayfinding anxiety correlated negatively with the preference for an orientation strategy. Our results highlight the importance of anxiety in spatial orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Munoz-Montoya
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Camino Fidalgo
- IIS Aragón, Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M-Carmen Juan
- Instituto Universitario de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Magdalena Mendez-Lopez
- IIS Aragón, Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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