Affiliations: [a] Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy | [b] Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale ``A. Avogadro'', Novara, Italy | [c] Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unilateral Spatial Neglect, or neglect, is a common behavioral
syndrome in patients following unilateral brain damage, such as stroke. In
recent years, new technologies, such as computer-based tools and virtual
reality have been used in order to solve some limitations of the traditional
neglect evaluation. Within this perspective, also mobile devices such as
tablets seems to be promising tools, being able to support interactive
virtual environments and, at the same time, allowing to easily reproduce
traditional paper-and-pencil test.
OBJECTIVE: In this context, the aim of our study was to investigate the
potentiality of a new mobile application (Neglect App) designed and
developed for tablet (iPad) for screening neglect symptoms.
METHODS: To address this objective, we divided a sample of 16 right-damaged
patients according to the presence or absence of neglect and we administered
assessment test in their traditional and Neglect App version.
RESULTS: Results showed that the cancellation tests developed within Neglect
App were equally effective to traditional paper-and-pencil tests (Line
cancellation test and Star Cancellation test) in detecting neglect symptoms.
Secondly, according to our results, the Neglect App Card Dealing task was
more sensitive in detecting neglect symptoms than traditional functional
task.
CONCLUSIONS: Globally, results gives preliminary evidences supporting the
feasibility of Neglect App for the screening of USN symptoms.
