A Computerized Visual Perception Rehabilitation Programme with Interactive Computer Interface Using Motion Tracking Technology -- a Randomized Controlled, Single-blinded, Pilot Clinical Trial Study

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme using motion tracking technology for visual perception impairment.

Design: Randomized controlled, single-blinded, pilot clinical trial study.

Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects: Sixteen left hemiplegic patients with visual perceptional impairment.

Intervention: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either (1) participation in a computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme with an interactive patient-computer interface applying motion tracking technology based on the CAMSHIFT algorithm or (2) use of the PSS CogRehab program for three sessions per week, 30 minutes per session for four weeks. There were eight patients in each group.

Main Measures: Mini-Mental Status Examination, Motor-free Visual Perception Test and Modified Barthel Index were assessed at the beginning and end of the training. A survey was conducted to evaluate the degree of patients' interest using an interest scale.

Results: After training, the mean (SD) Motor-free Visual Perception Test score increased significantly in both experimental group (from 65.8 (19.5) to 77.8 (28.7)) and control group (from 68.3 (11.4) to 74.1 (14.8)) (P<0.01). Modified Barthel Index score increased significantly in both groups, with the experimental group recording a higher increase. Mean (SD) interest scale score was greater in the experimental group (2.2 (0.8)) than in the control group (1.3 (0.7)) (P<0.01).

Conclusions: A computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme with interactive computer interface using motion tracking technology could be considered as a treatment option for stroke patients with visual perception impairment.