Mena-Garcia L, Pastor-Jimeno JC, Maldonado MJ, Coco-Martin MB, Fernandez I, Arenillas JF. Multitasking Compensatory Saccadic Training Program for Hemianopia Patients: A New Approach With 3-Dimensional Real-World Objects.
Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021;
10:3. [PMID:
34003888 PMCID:
PMC7873505 DOI:
10.1167/tvst.10.2.3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
To examine whether a noncomputerized multitasking compensatory saccadic training program (MCSTP) for patients with hemianopia, based on a reading regimen and eight exercises that recreate everyday visuomotor activities using three-dimensional (3D) real-world objects, improves the visual ability/function, quality of life (QL), and functional independence (FI).
Methods
The 3D-MCSTP included four in-office visits and two customized home-based daily training sessions over 12 weeks. A quasiexperimental, pretest/posttest study design was carried out with an intervention group (IG) (n = 20) and a no-training group (NTG) (n = 20) matched for age, hemianopia type, and brain injury duration.
Results
The groups were comparable for the main baseline variables and all participants (n = 40) completed the study. The IG mainly showed significant improvements in visual-processing speed (57.34% ± 19.28%; P < 0.0001) and visual attention/retention ability (26.67% ± 19.21%; P < 0.0001), which also were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than in the NTG. Moreover, the IG showed large effect sizes (Cohen's d) in 75% of the total QL and FI dimensions analyzed; in contrast to the NTG that showed negligible mean effect sizes in 96% of these dimensions.
Conclusions
The customized 3D-MCSTP was associated with a satisfactory response in the IG for improving complex visual processing, QL, and FI.
Translational Relevance
Neurovisual rehabilitation of patients with hemianopia seems more efficient when programs combine in-office visits and customized home-based training sessions based on real objects and simulating real-life conditions, than no treatment or previously reported computer-screen approaches, probably because of better stimulation of patients´ motivation and visual-processing speed brain mechanisms.
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