Citation

Shen J, Koterba C, Samora J, Leonard J, Li R, Shi J, Yeates KO, Xiang H, Taylor HG. Rehabil. Psychol. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/rep0000464

PMID

36048061

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Deficits in executive functions are prevalent among children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Assessing cognitive impairment is critical for evaluating and monitoring recovery. The present article reports a pilot study to evaluate the preliminary usability and validity of a virtual reality cognitive assessment tool (VR-CAT) specifically designed for children with TBI. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: A total of 54 children, 24 with TBI and 30 with orthopedic injury, participated in a cross-sectional cohort study at a Level-1 trauma center. The VR-CAT was evaluated in terms of user experience as well as preliminary psychometric properties including test-retest reliability, face validity, concurrent validity with two standard executive function assessment tools, and utility in distinguishing the TBI and orthopedic injury groups.

RESULTS: Children in both groups reported high levels of usability (i.e., enjoyment and motivation). The VR-CAT composite and scores on tests of inhibitory control and working memory demonstrated modest test-retest reliability across two independent assessment visits, as well as acceptable face validity, modest concurrent validity, and clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The present study is among the first to evaluate the applicability of an immersive VR-CAT in children with TBI. The findings support high usability, adequate psychometric properties, and satisfactory clinical utility of the VR-CAT, suggesting it is a promising tool for assessing executive functions in this vulnerable population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Language: en