Spatial neglect damages the neural networks that support spatial attention and related cognitive and motor functions. People’s spatial orientation is altered, which can cause issues with balance, navigation, memory, reading, and other cognitive processes. While progress has been made in detecting post-stroke spatial neglect, treatment strategies have lagged. Researchers have developed a treatment approach based on immersive virtual reality (VR) that allows standardized delivery of intensive, repetitive therapy in a flexible, engaging environment to address the need for effective neurorehabilitation.
A head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology are used in spatial neglect therapy. The system includes a user interface for creating a patient profile, a calibration module, four game-like treatment modules, and a spreadsheet for data collection and export that allows therapists to compare progress across sessions.
Patients in virtual treatment environments wear a head-mounted display and hand-tracking technology to perform various challenging motor tasks. The scoring algorithm rewards correct responses, with higher scores for tasks completed in the neglected space.
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