Citation

Akinwuntan AE, Devos H, Verheyden G, Baten G, Kiekens C, Feys H, De Weerdt W. Top. Stroke Rehabil. 2010; 17(5): 328-336.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1310/tsr1705-328

PMID

21131257

Abstract

Background: Visual inattention is a major cause of road accidents and is a problem commonly experienced after stroke. Purpose: This study investigated the effects of 2 training programs on performance in the Useful Field of View (UFOV), a validated test of driving-related visual attention skills. Method: Data from 69 first-ever, moderately impaired stroke survivors who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the effects of simulator training on driving after stroke were analyzed. In addition to regular interventions at a rehabilitation center, participants received 15 hours of either simulator-based driving-related training or non-computer-based cognitive training over 5 weeks. Results: Total percentage reduction in UFOV and performance in divided and selective attention and speed of processing subtests were documented at 6 to 9 weeks (pretraining), 11 to 15 weeks (posttraining), and 6 months post stroke (follow-up). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model revealed neither group effects nor significant interaction effects of group with time in the UFOV total score and the 3 subtests. However, there were significant within-group improvements from pre- through posttraining to follow-up for all the UFOV parameters. Post-hoc GEE analysis revealed that most improvement in both groups occurred from pre- to posttraining. Conclusion: Both training programs significantly improved visual attention skills of moderately impaired stroke survivors after 15 hours of training and retention of benefit lasted up to 6 months after stroke. Neither of the training programs was better than the other.

Language: en