@article{ref1,
title="Retraining moderately impaired stroke survivors in driving-related visual attention skills",
journal="Topics in stroke rehabilitation",
year="2010",
author="Akinwuntan, Abiodun Emmanuel and Devos, Hannes and Verheyden, Geert and Baten, Guido and Kiekens, Carlotte and Feys, Hilde and De Weerdt, Willy",
volume="17",
number="5",
pages="328-336",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1074-9357",
doi="10.1310/tsr1705-328",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1310/tsr1705-328"
}