An ecological measure to screen executive functioning in MS: the Picture Interpretation Test (PIT) 360°

Abstract

Executive functions are crucial for performance of everyday activities. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), executive dysfunctions can be apparent from the early onset of the disease. Technology-based time-efficient and resource-saving tools for early evaluation of executive functions using an ecological approach are needed to assess functional performance in real-life. The aim was to compare the efficiency of the Picture Interpretation Test 360° (PIT 360°) with traditional measures on executive dysfunction in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and Healthy Controls (HC). Participants were 31 patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (mean age = 44.323 ± 13.149; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale = 2) and 39 HC (mean age = 39.538 ± 15.728). All were tested with standard neuropsychological tests of executive functions, PIT 360°, and measures of user experience. While standard neuropsychological tests failed to differentiate between PwMS and HC group, the PIT 360° was successful in detecting executive dysfunction in PwMS. All participants reported the PIT 360° to be an engaging tool and endorsed positive reactions to their experience. Overall, the PIT 360° is a quick, sensitive, and ecological tool that captures real-world executive dysfunction in PwMS. This engaging measure is sensitive for the detection of executive deficits since the early phases of the disease.

COVID Feel Good—An Easy Self-Help Virtual Reality Protocol to Overcome the Psychological Burden of Coronavirus

“…This pragmatic pilot trial seeks to understand if and how a weekly self-help protocol—The Secret Garden—can help overcome the psychological burden of the coronavirus. To reach this goal, the protocol will use virtual reality ( 24 ) to provide a transformative experience ( 27 , 51 , 52 ) by offering a natural digital place in which subjects can relax and reflect. This effect will be enhanced by different daily social tasks aiming at facilitating a process of critical examination and eventually revision of core assumptions and beliefs.…”

The Benefits of emotion Regulation Interventions in Virtual Reality for the Improvement of Wellbeing in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…In this sense, the use of virtual reality is promising, because it allows the user to learn complex ER strategies and, potentially, experience them in different environments similar to the real world. Lastly, a VR system provides experimental control and dynamic presentation of stimuli in ecologically valid scenarios [18,26,27,71,101]. This can be done by measuring the real-time cognitive, emotional, physiological and behavioural responses in a variety of life-like virtual situations [28].…”

Virtual Reality Meets Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Integrating Two Methods for Cognitive Rehabilitation of Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…However, previous studies have showed promising results in the integration of neuromodulation and VR technologies for motor rehabilitation in stroke patients ( 85 , 90 ). On one hand, TMS enabled shifts in cortical activity from contralesional to ipsilesional motor areas; on the other hand, VR provided repetitive, intensive, and motivating movement tasks with real-time multimodal feedback, applying motor learning principles for stroke neurorehabilitation ( 49 , 117 ).…”