Exploring Virtual Reality for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Executive Functions

2021 ◽  
pp. 866-884
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
Giuseppe Riva
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Portable Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Over Time

This article describes how a neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation are typically carried out using paper-and-pencil tools. However, these protocols cannot effectively evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. More recently, the increasing accessibility of new and powerful technology has presented new possibilities. Virtual reality is one of the most promising tools with the increasing ecologicity in the neuropsychological field. The availability of new portable instruments has increased the accessibility and usability of this technology. Using this frame, the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological practice up to the most recent VR-based tools have been explored. In particular, the focus will be on executive functions as the most sensitive cognitive domain within the ecological validity of the tools. In accordance with the literature, the authors show the potential for the use of virtual reality in the assessment and rehabilitation of executive functions, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and potential future challenges.

Exploring Virtual Reality for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of Executive Functions

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
Giuseppe Riva
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Portable Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Over Time

This article describes how a neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation are typically carried out using paper-and-pencil tools. However, these protocols cannot effectively evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. More recently, the increasing accessibility of new and powerful technology has presented new possibilities. Virtual reality is one of the most promising tools with the increasing ecologicity in the neuropsychological field. The availability of new portable instruments has increased the accessibility and usability of this technology. Using this frame, the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological practice up to the most recent VR-based tools have been explored. In particular, the focus will be on executive functions as the most sensitive cognitive domain within the ecological validity of the tools. In accordance with the literature, the authors show the potential for the use of virtual reality in the assessment and rehabilitation of executive functions, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and potential future challenges.

The Use of Virtual Reality Tools for the Assessment of Executive Functions and Unilateral Spatial Neglect

2016 ◽  
pp. 115-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Alice Chicchi Giglioli ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Unilateral Spatial Neglect ◽  
Future Challenges

Virtual Reality is one of the most promising tools in the development of new methods for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment is typically carried out by administering paper-and-pencil tests to patients. However, these tests have some limitations, due to the fact that they are not effectively able to evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. To cope with this void, neuropsychologists base their evaluation on their clinical experience, often successfully. Nevertheless, this is not an evidence-based practice, thus it is not considered optimal from a medical decision-making perspective. More recently, however, the increasing accessibility of advanced technology such as virtual reality has opened new possibilities for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Starting with this frame, the chapter explores the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation up to the most recent VR-based tools. In particular, we will present a VR-based PC tool for the assessment of executive functions, and a VR-based mobile tool for the assessment and rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect. In accordance with the literature, we show the potential for virtual reality, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and the possible future challenges.

The Use of Virtual Reality Tools for the Assessment of Executive Functions and Unilateral Spatial Neglect

2018 ◽  
pp. 891-916
Author(s):  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Silvia Serino ◽  
Alice Chicchi Giglioli ◽  
Federica Pallavicini ◽  
Pietro Cipresso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Unilateral Spatial Neglect ◽  
Future Challenges

Virtual Reality is one of the most promising tools in the development of new methods for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment is typically carried out by administering paper-and-pencil tests to patients. However, these tests have some limitations, due to the fact that they are not effectively able to evaluate the subject's performance of daily activities. To cope with this void, neuropsychologists base their evaluation on their clinical experience, often successfully. Nevertheless, this is not an evidence-based practice, thus it is not considered optimal from a medical decision-making perspective. More recently, however, the increasing accessibility of advanced technology such as virtual reality has opened new possibilities for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Starting with this frame, the chapter explores the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation up to the most recent VR-based tools. In particular, we will present a VR-based PC tool for the assessment of executive functions, and a VR-based mobile tool for the assessment and rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect. In accordance with the literature, we show the potential for virtual reality, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and the possible future challenges.

Virtual Reality Applications for Neuropsychological Assessment in the Military

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Edwards ◽  
Thomas D. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
World War I ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Real World ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
The Military

Neuropsychological assessment has a long history in the United States military and has played an essential role in ensuring the mental health and operational readiness of service members since World War I (Kennedy, Boake, & Moore, 2010). Over the years, mental health clinicians in the military have developed paper-and-pencil assessment instruments, which have evolved in terms of psychometric rigor and clinical utility, but not in terms of technological sophisti­cation. Since the advent of modern digital computing technology, considerable research has been devoted to the development of computer-automated neuropsychological assessment applications (Kane & Kay, 1992; Reeves, Winter, Bleiberg, & Kane, 2007), a trend that is likely to continue in the future. While many comparatively antiquated paper-and-pencil-based test instruments are still routinely used, it is arguably only a matter of time until they are supplanted by more technologically advanced alternatives. It is important to note, however, that questions have been raised about the ecological validity of many commonly used traditional neuropsychological tests, whether paper-and-pencil-based or computerized (Alderman, Burgess, Knight, & Henman, 2003; Burgess et al., 2006; Chaytor & Schmitter- Edgecombe, 2003; Chaytor, Schmitter-Edgecombe, & Burr, 2006; Parsons, 2016a; Sbordone, 2008). In the context of neuropsychological testing, ecological validity generally refers to the extent to which test performance corresponds to real-world performance in everyday life (Sbordone, 1996). In order to develop neuropsychological test instruments with greater ecological validity, investigators have increasingly turned to virtual reality (VR) technologies as a means to assess real-world performance via true-to-life simulated environments (Campbell et al., 2009; Negut, Matu, Sava, & Davis, 2016; Parsons, 2015a, 2015b, 2016a). Bilder (2011) described three historical and theoretical formulations of neuropsychology. First, clinical neuropsychologists focused on lesion localization and relied on interpretation without extensive normative data. Next, clinical neuropsychologists were affected by technological advances in neuroimaging and as a result focused on characterizing cognitive strengths and weaknesses rather than on differential diagnosis.

scholarly journals Validation of the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL): An immersive virtual reality neuropsychological battery with enhanced ecological validity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Simona Collina ◽  
Leonidas A. A. Doumas ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
Paper And Pencil

Objective: The assessment of cognitive functions such as prospective memory, episodic memory, attention, and executive functions benefits from an ecologically valid approach to better understand how performance outcomes generalize to everyday life. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is considered capable of simulating real-life situations to enhance ecological validity. The present study attempted to validate the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive VR neuropsychological battery, against an extensive paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. Methods: Forty-one participants (21 females) were recruited: 18 gamers and 23 non-gamers who attended both an immersive VR and a paper-and-pencil testing session. Bayesian Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct and convergent validity of the VR-EAL. Bayesian t-tests were performed to compare VR and paper-and-pencil testing in terms of administration time, similarity to real life tasks (i.e., ecological validity), and pleasantness. Results: VR-EAL scores were significantly correlated with their equivalent scores on the paper-and-pencil tests. The participants’ reports indicated that the VR-EAL tasks were significantly more ecologically valid and pleasant than the paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. The VR-EAL battery also had a shorter administration time. Conclusion: The VR-EAL appears as an effective neuropsychological tool for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions, which has enhanced ecological validity, a highly pleasant testing experience, and does not induce cybersickness.

Rehabilitation and Medical Assistant Technique in Virtual Reality

2018 ◽  
pp. 217-236
Author(s):  
Greeshma Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Training Module ◽  
Quantum Leap ◽  
Cognitive Knowledge

In the modern world, Virtual Reality (VR) has been accepted by the researcher as a state-of-the-art neuropsychological assessment tool in clinical research. Owing to the two prominent VR attributes i.e. immersivity and interactivity, VR is being used as an assessment tool as well as a training module. Combining cognitive knowledge with existing VR technology can propel VR to achieve a quantum leap in the rehabilitation sector. In addition, it offers potential radical modifications in the traditional way of neuropsychological assessment in the clinical settings, by improving ecological validity of the existing tests. Subsequently, features of VR facilitate customisation of an individual's treatment plan with the informed gradual progression of the challenge. This chapter explains VR as an innovative platform in the sector of medical & others such as military and sports for assessment as well as for training.

scholarly journals Validation of the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL): An Immersive Virtual Reality Neuropsychological Battery with Enhanced Ecological Validity

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kourtesis ◽  
Simona Collina ◽  
Leonidas A.A. Doumas ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
Paper And Pencil

Abstract Objective: The assessment of cognitive functions such as prospective memory, episodic memory, attention, and executive functions benefits from an ecologically valid approach to better understand how performance outcomes generalize to everyday life. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is considered capable of simulating real-life situations to enhance ecological validity. The present study attempted to validate the Virtual Reality Everyday Assessment Lab (VR-EAL), an immersive VR neuropsychological battery, against an extensive paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. Methods: Forty-one participants (21 females) were recruited: 18 gamers and 23 non-gamers who attended both an immersive VR and a paper-and-pencil testing session. Bayesian Pearson’s correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct and convergent validity of the VR-EAL. Bayesian t-tests were performed to compare VR and paper-and-pencil testing in terms of administration time, similarity to real-life tasks (i.e., ecological validity), and pleasantness. Results: VR-EAL scores were significantly correlated with their equivalent scores on the paper-and-pencil tests. The participants’ reports indicated that the VR-EAL tasks were significantly more ecologically valid and pleasant than the paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. The VR-EAL battery also had a shorter administration time. Conclusion: The VR-EAL appears as an effective neuropsychological tool for the assessment of everyday cognitive functions, which has enhanced ecological validity, a highly pleasant testing experience, and does not induce cybersickness.

Rehabilitation and Medical Assistant Technique in Virtual Reality

2018 ◽  
pp. 528-548
Author(s):  
Greeshma Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Training Module ◽  
Quantum Leap ◽  
Cognitive Knowledge

In the modern world, Virtual Reality (VR) has been accepted by the researcher as a state-of-the-art neuropsychological assessment tool in clinical research. Owing to the two prominent VR attributes i.e. immersivity and interactivity, VR is being used as an assessment tool as well as a training module. Combining cognitive knowledge with existing VR technology can propel VR to achieve a quantum leap in the rehabilitation sector. In addition, it offers potential radical modifications in the traditional way of neuropsychological assessment in the clinical settings, by improving ecological validity of the existing tests. Subsequently, features of VR facilitate customisation of an individual's treatment plan with the informed gradual progression of the challenge. This chapter explains VR as an innovative platform in the sector of medical & others such as military and sports for assessment as well as for training.

Neuropsychology in the Real World

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Peper ◽  
Simone N. Loeffler
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Real World ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Context Sensitive ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Life Data ◽  
Real Life Data ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Current ambulatory technologies are highly relevant for neuropsychological assessment and treatment as they provide a gateway to real life data. Ambulatory assessment of cognitive complaints, skills and emotional states in natural contexts provides information that has a greater ecological validity than traditional assessment approaches. This issue presents an overview of current technological and methodological innovations, opportunities, problems and limitations of these methods designed for the context-sensitive measurement of cognitive, emotional and behavioral function. The usefulness of selected ambulatory approaches is demonstrated and their relevance for an ecologically valid neuropsychology is highlighted.

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