Affiliations: Humanistic Studies Department, Psychology Section,
University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy | AIS Lab, Computer Science Department, University of
Milan, Milan, Italy | Cognitive Neuropsychology Center, Niguarda Ca' Granda
Hospital, Milan, Italy | Neurorehabilitation and Rehabilitative Medecine,
Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
Note: [] Corresponding author: A. Sedda, Humanistic Studies Department,
Psychology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. E-mail:
anna.sedda@unipv.it
Abstract: Purpose: Virtual Reality (VR) platforms gained a lot of attention in
the rehabilitation field due to their ability to engage patients and the
opportunity they offer to use real world scenarios. As neglect is characterized
by an impairment in exploring space that greatly affects daily living, VR could
be a powerful tool compared to classical paper and pencil tasks and computer
training. Nevertheless, available platforms are costly and obstructive. Here we
describe a low cost platform for neglect rehabilitation, that using consumer
equipments allows the patient to train at home in an intensive fashion. Method: We tested the platform on IB, a chronic neglect patient, who
did not benefit from classical rehabilitation. Results: Our results show that IB improved both in terms of neglect
and attention. Importantly, these ameliorations lasted at a follow up
evaluation 5 months after the last treatment session and generalized to
everyday life activities. Conclusions: VR platforms built using equipment technology and
following theoretical principles on brain functioning may induce greater
ameliorations in visuo-spatial deficits than classical paradigms possibly
thanks to the real world scenarios in association with the "visual feedback" of
the patient's own body operating in the virtual environment.
