Using a computer game to help stroke survivors with spatial neglect
Modulation of Visuospatial Awareness During Multi-tasking in Right Hemisphere Stroke Patients: Towards Novel Behavioural and Neurofunctional Predictors of Impairments and Recovery of the Attentional Networks
This study tests if playing an adaptive computer game can help stroke survivors with spatial neglect pay better attention to their surroundings compared to regular computer exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Venice-Lido, Veneto) |
| Trial ID | NCT04227132 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of an adaptive computer game called 'Labyrinth' in rehabilitating stroke survivors who experience spatial neglect, a condition that affects their attention to stimuli on one side of their visual field. The trial compares the outcomes of this game-based training to standard computerized exercises over 10 sessions, utilizing a randomized crossover design. Participants will be assessed for improvements in their spatial neglect severity and functional everyday outcomes after both training methods and during a follow-up one month later.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are first-time stroke patients with right brain damage who are right-handed and have preserved Italian language comprehension.
Not a fit: Patients with prior psychiatric or neurological diseases, substance abuse issues, or those unable to participate in the training will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors with spatial neglect.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of computer games in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific adaptive approach for spatial neglect in stroke survivors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * First stroke patients with right brain damage * Right-handed * Preserved Italian language comprehension to provide informed consensus * Clinical signs of spatial neglect (diagnosis by BIT) Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of psychiatric or neurological disease * Substance abuse * Inability to sustain the experimental trainings
Where this trial is running
Venice-Lido, Veneto
- Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS — Venice-Lido, Veneto, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marco Zorzi, Ph.D. — Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Study coordinator: Francesca Meneghello, M.D.
- Email: francesca.meneghello@ospedalesancamillo.net
- Phone: 0412207183
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.