Comparing explorative saccade and flicker training in hemianopia

Abstract

Explorative saccade training selectively improves saccadic behavior, natural search, and scene exploration on the blind side. Flicker-stimulation training does not improve saccadic behavior or visual fields. The findings show substantial benefits of compensatory exploration training, including subjective improvements in mastering daily-life activities, in a randomized controlled trial.

Adaptation to poststroke visual field loss: A systematic review

“…This improved visual search is likely to be an important factor in the adaptation process, and this theory has been explored by Roth et al. (2009) in that their study showed explorative saccadic training to improve saccadic behavior, search skills, and scene exploration on the hemianopic side, showing benefits of compensatory exploration training which are transferable to everyday tasks. The interventions targeted by these strategies will be discussed in more detail in the second section of this review.…”

“…The development of adaptive eye movement strategies over time has been well documented, and the implication of these compensation strategies is that subjects develop a more effective visual search technique, for a variety of tasks such as obstacle avoidance and driving (Hardiess et al., 2010; Meienberg et al., 1981; Machner et al., 2009; McDonald et al., 2006; Pambakian et al., 2000; Papageorgiou, Hardiess, Mallot, & Schiefer, 2012; Zangemeister & Oechsner, 1996; Wood et al., 2011; Roth et al., 2009). This improved visual search is likely to be an important factor in the adaptation process, and this theory has been explored by Roth et al.…”

“…The primary outcome measure used for this review was functional ability in activities of daily living, with secondary outcome measures including extended activities of daily living, visual field, balance, falls, depression/anxiety, discharge destination, quality of life, visual scanning, adverse events, and death. The review was limited to randomized trials and studies included in Cochrane systematic reviews involving adult stroke patients, and a total of thirteen studies met the authors’ inclusion criteria (Roth et al., 2009; Bainbridge & Reding, 1994; Carter, Howard, & O'Neil, 1983; Jobke, Kasten, & Sabel, 2009; Kasten, Wüst, Behrens‐Baumann, & Sabel, 1998; Kasten, Bunzenthal, Müller‐Oehring, Mueller, & Sabel, 2007; Plow et al., 2010; Poggel, Kasten, & Sabel, 2004; Rossi, Kheyfets, & Reding, 1990; Spitzyna et al., 2007; Szlyk, Seiple, Stelmack, & McMahon, 2005; Weinberg et al., 1977, 1979). The Cochrane authors concluded there is some limited evidence to support the use of compensatory scanning therapy to improve scanning and reading outcomes in this patient group.…”

“…The majority of studies relating to compensatory treatments are concerned with the improvement of eye movements and scanning into the affected field (Bergsma et al., 2011; Roth et al., 2009; Aimola et al., 2014; Hazelton, Pollock, Walsh, & Brady, 2015; Jacquin‐Courtois, Bays, Salemme, Leff, & Husain, 2013; Lane, Smith, Ellison, & Schenk, 2010; Pambakian, Mannan, Hodgson, & Kennard, 2004; Kerkhoff, Münssinger, & Meier, 1994; Mazer et al., 2003; Nelles et al., 2010; Taylor, Poland, Harrison, & Stephenson, 2011; Schuett, Heywood, Kentridge, Dauner, & Zihl, 2012), as well as increased saccadic movements into the affected field (Mannan, Pambakian, & Kennard, 2010; Lévy‐Bencheton et al., 2016; Kerkhoff, Münßinger, Eberle‐strauss, & Stögerer, 1992). A number of studies have specifically reported on subjective improvements in activities of daily living following compensatory therapy, such as improvements in mobility, reading, driving, and detection of obstacles (Bergsma et al., 2011; Ong et al., 2015; Keller & Lefin‐Rank, 2010; Aimola et al., 2014; Jacquin‐Courtois et al., 2013; Kerkhoff et al., 1994; Mazer et al., 2003; de Haan, Melis‐Dankers, Brouwer, Tucha, & Heutink, 2015; Hayes, Chen, Clarke, & Thompson, 2012; Nelles et al., 2001; Rowe, Conroy, et al., 2016).…”

The treatment methods for post‐stroke visual impairment: A systematic review

“…Functional ability in performing activities of daily living was used as a primary outcome measure. Thirteen trials were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria (Bainbridge & Reding, 1994; Carter, Howard, & O'Neil, 1983; Jobke, Kasten, & Sabel, 2009; Kasten, Bunzenthal, Muller‐Oehring, Mueller, & Sabel, 2007; Kasten, Wurst, Behrens‐Baumen, & Sabel, 1998; Plow et al., 2010; Poggel, Kasten, & Sabel, 2004; Rossi, Kheyfets, & Reding, 1990; Roth et al., 2009; Spitzyna et al., 2007; Szlyk, Seiple, Stelmack, & McMahon, 2005; Weinberg et al., 1977, 1979). Limited meta‐analyses were possible and were only completed for compensatory interventions.…”