Digital Media in neuropsychological therapy

​Development and evaluation of an internet-based cognitive training

Contact: DP J. Weicker (Juliane.Weicker@medizin.uni-leipzig.de); Dr. A. Thöne-Otto (angelika.thoene@medizin.uni-leipzig.de)

External Cooperation: I. Heyroth (HASOMED GmbH, Magdeburg); Prof. Dr. C. Hansen (Otto-von-Guericke-University of Magdeburg), Prof. Dr. B. Preim (Otto-von-Guericke-University of Magdeburg)

In this study we developed a webbased cognitive training for people with neurological diseases. The aim was to offer the a home based option for high frequency training. Based on well-established RehaCom Software we developed a webbased platform taking care of high data security and privacy standards. Usability and efficacy were analysed based on focus-group-interviews and a multicenter study with N=64 patients. During a 3 week training phase the main barrier was the technical equipment in patients homes. Once the training was running smoothly, the independt training was satisfying and subjects applied the training 9,5h. Different motivating strategies were applied, which,  however did not have an effect on the frequency or evaluation of the training.

Duration: 01.05.2017 - 30.04.2020

Financing: Investment Bank Saxony-Anhalt

​Virtual Reality in digital Assessment and Cognitive Rehabilitation VReha

Contact: Dr. A. Thöne-Otto (angelika.thoene@medizin.uni-leipzig.de), J. Belger M.sc. (Julia.Belger@medizin.uni-leipzig.de), M. Blume M.sc. (Marie.Blume@medizin.uni-leipzig.de); Dr. E. Quinque

External Cooperation: B.Vehmeier  (HASOMED); Dr. P. Chojecki  (Fraunhofer Heinricht-Hertz-Institut (HHI)); Dr. M. Gaebler, Prof. A. Villringer (MPI); Prof. Dr. C. Finke (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

The aim of the BMBF-funded project is to investigate the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) in neurological rehabilitation. For this purpose, the conception and development of a VR-based assessment toolbox, consisting of a diagnostic task for the assessment of spatial memory performance, as well as a subsequent cognitive training, already took place in 2019. In addition, predictors were defined for the selection of different VR technologies best suited for neurological patients, taking into account their perceptual, motor, and cognitive impairments. In 2020, the project continued successfully, with testing limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, recruitment for the evaluation of the diagnostic task was completed. Furthermore, a pilot study was started to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of spatial memory training in VR. Currently, the existing applications are being transferred to a wireless system, and another task is being developed to assess planning ability in a virtual supermarket.

Duration: from 11/2017 until 02/2021 (extension request until 31.08.2021)

Financing: BMBF funding code: 13GW0206C

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY IN POSTSTROKE PATIENTS WITH NEGLECT: AVIRTUAL ROAD CROSSING TASK FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DISCRETE SYMPTOMS IN NEGLECT

Contact: J. Belger M.sc. (Julia.Belger@medizin.uni-leipzig.de); Dr. A. Thöne-Otto (angelika.thoene@medizin.uni-leipzig.de)

External Cooperation: Wagner, S. (University of Magdeburg), Schatz, A. (Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig; University of Osnabrück), Gaebler, M. (MPI-CBS; Berlin School of Mind and Brain at the HU Berlin), Preim, B. (University of Magdeburg), Villringer, V. (Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig; MPI-CBS; Berlin School of Mind and Brain at the HU Berlin)

This study will investigate whether a novel three-dimensional immersive Virtual Reality (VR) road crossing task can validly detect discrete symptoms in post-stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect. With the help of VR, we plan to apply an immersive virtual road crossing task iVRoad to detect discrete neglect symptoms in right-hemispheric poststroke patients. Various outcome parameters are recorded during the execution so that clinicians and researchers can obtain information on patients' performance. In this way, subjects' behavior can be precisely measured and evaluated using safe street crossing scenarios resembling everyday life. Moreover, distance-related dissociations in neglect (peripersonal as space within grabbing area and extrapersonal as space beyond grabbing area) are to be included in conditions similar to everyday life. Based on a neuropsychological assessment battery including conventional pen-and-paper psychometric tests, the new VR task will be validated and evaluated with regard to feasibility aspects such as immersion and presence, usability, cybersickness, motivation and a general impression of the immersive task

Duration: from 01/2020 until 12/2022

Financing: ESF Federal State Innovation Fellowship; financed by funds from the European Union and the Free State of Saxony