Analysis of assets for virtual reality applications in neuropsychology

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technology offers new opportunities for the development of innovative neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation tools. VR-based testing and training scenarios that would be difficult, if not impossible, to deliver using conventional neuropsychological methods are now being developed that take advantage of the assets available with VR technology. If empirical studies continue to demonstrate effectiveness, virtual environment applications could provide new options for targeting cognitive and functional impairments due to traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, and learning disabilities. This article focuses on specifying the assets that are available with VR for neuropsychological applications along with discussion of current VRbased research that serves to illustrate each asset. VR allows for the precise presentation and control of dynamic multi-sensory 3D stimulus environments, as well as providing advanced methods for recording behavioural responses. This serves as the basis for a diverse set of VR assets for neuropsychological approaches that are detailed in this article. We take the position that when combining these assets within the context of functionally relevant, ecologically valid virtual environments, fundamental advancements can emerge in how human cognition and functional behaviour is assessed and rehabilitated.Correspondence should be addressed to

Assessing the Impact of Automatic vs. Controlled Rotations on Spatial Transfer with a Joystick and a Walking Interface in VR

“…An important question to explore for such application is to evaluate how spatial information is impacted when transferred from virtual to real environments. Several studies already found great results with disabled people about the question of spatial transfer [25][26] [27]. In this work, the authors agree that various factors can enhance this spatial transfer.…”

“…This device is also often adapted to the user's needs, notably for people with mobility issues. This the case with the elderly, patients with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases, or sensorimotor injuries ( [25][26] [27]). Thus, clarifying the impact of joystick use represents a research challenge and is essential to resolve fundamental issues for clinical neuropsychological applications.…”

Human spatial navigation deficits after traumatic brain injury shown in the arena maze, a virtual Morris water maze

“…Secondly, the environment can have stimuli and contingencies difficult to find in real world situations, thus providing exquisite control over characteristics of the environment such as geometry and size of the space and location of objects and features (like windows) within it. This ability to systematically vary environmental stimuli and contingencies should improve the analysis of spatial cognition [67] and spatial deficits. Thirdly, it is possible to test in virtual space multiple times for purposes of periodic assessment or practice and rehabilitation [23], a feature important for TBI survivors.…”

Clinical Virtual Reality tools to advance the prevention, assessment, and treatment of PTSD

“…Within that context, the present paper will summarize the ways that researchers and clinicians have employed VR to create relevant simulations that can be applied to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of PTSD. Some of the discussion in the current paper includes topics that have been discussed in previous papers, which may be consulted for deeper analysis (Rizzo et al, 2013; Rizzo, Buckwalter, & Neumann, 1997; Rizzo et al, 2010; Rizzo & Koenig, in press; Rizzo et al, 2017; Rizzo, Schultheis, Kerns, & Mateer, 2004). …”

“…VR-based testing, training, and treatment approaches that would be difficult, if not impossible, to deliver using traditional methods have now been developed that take advantage of the assets available with VR technology (Rizzo et al, 2004; Rizzo & Koenig, in press). This unique match between VR technology assets and the needs of various clinical application areas has been recognized by a determined and expanding group of researchers and clinicians.…”