Home-based training for individuals with homonymous visual field defects

L Aimola1, A Lane2, D T Smith1, G Kerkhoff3, G Ford4, T Schenk5

1Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit, Durham University, United Kingdom
2Dept of Psychology, Durham University, United Kingdom
3Dept of Psychology, Saar-University, Germany
4Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
5Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany
Contact: daniel.smith2@durham.ac.uk

Homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs) are a common consequence of stroke. Effective compensatory therapies have been developed which train individuals to adopt more efficient strategies for visual exploration. However, this training is typically undertaken in clinical settings or at home under expert supervision. The scale of the resources needed for these interventions limits their potential as an affordable tool for neurorehabilitation. To address this issue we developed and evaluated an unsupervised, home-based computer training for individuals with HVFDs. Seventy individuals with chronic HVFDs were randomly assigned to one of two groups: combined reading and exploration training or attention training. Visual and attentional abilities were assessed before and after training using perimetry, visual search, reading, activities of daily living, the Test of Everyday Attention, and a Sustained Attention to Response task. The combined reading and exploration training group experienced significant objective and subjective improvements in visual exploration and reading. The benefits of the exploration and reading training were significantly greater than those of the control intervention. We conclude that home-based compensatory training is an inexpensive accessible rehabilitation option for individuals with HVFDs, which can result in objective benefits in searching and reading, as well as improving quality of life.

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