Nicholas D. Cassavaugh

Transfer of computer-based training to simulated driving in older adults

As the population of many industrialized countries ages, the number of older drivers on the roads increases. Statistics show that older drivers are at increased risk for involvement in fatal accidents. One explanation for this is the cognitive and motor declines associated with the aging process. As we age, performance on attention, memory and motor control tasks, three important components of driving, declines. In the present study we examined the relationship between performance on component cognitive tasks and the influence of training on these tasks on the simulated driving performance of older adults. More specifically, we assessed performance on and trained older adults on single and dual tasks of attention, working memory and manual control. Regression analyses demonstrated that performance on the single and dual cognitive tasks and improvements in these computer-based tasks with training were predictive of improvements in driving simulator performance across the course of the study. These data suggest that relatively simple single and dual computer-based tasks and modest amounts of training on these tasks can improve driving performance in older adults, thereby extending functional independence.

Development of a 3D immersive videogame to improve arm-postural coordination in patients with TBI.

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the central and executive mechanisms of arm(s) and postural (trunk and legs) coordination. To address these issues, we developed a 3D immersive videogame-- Octopus. The game was developed using the basic principles of videogame design and previous experience of using videogames for rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injuries. Unlike many other custom-designed virtual environments, Octopus included an actual gaming component with a system of multiple rewards, making the game challenging, competitive, motivating and fun. Effect of a short-term practice with the Octopus game on arm-postural coordination in patients with TBI was tested.MethodsThe game was developed using WorldViz Vizard software, integrated with the Qualysis system for motion analysis. Avatars of the participants hands precisely reproducing the real-time kinematic patterns were synchronized with the simulated environment, presented in the first person 3D view on an 82-inch DLP screen. 13 individuals with mild-to-moderate manifestations of TBI participated in the study. While standing in front of the screen, the participants interacted with a computer-generated environment by popping bubbles blown by the Octopus. The bubbles followed a specific trajectory. Interception of the bubbles with the left or right hand avatar allowed flexible use of the postural segments for balance maintenance and arm transport. All participants practiced ten 90-s gaming trials during a single session, followed by a retention test. Arm-postural coordination was analysed using principal component analysis.ResultsAs a result of the short-term practice, the participants improved in game performance, arm movement time, and precision. Improvements were achieved mostly by adapting efficient arm-postural coordination strategies. Of the 13 participants, 10 showed an immediate increase in arm forward reach and single-leg stance time.ConclusionThese results support the feasibility of using the custom-made 3D game for retraining of arm-postural coordination disrupted as a result of TBI.

Behavioral and cardiovascular responses to frustration during simulated driving tasks in young adults with and without attention disorder symptoms.

Objective: The present study examined the role of negative emotions on driving performance in relation to ADHD, by comparing young adults scoring high on measures of ADHD (n = 20) with a control group (n = 22). Method: The authors used cardiorespiratory physiological measures, simulated driving behavior, and self-report to examine how participants with high and low ADHD symptoms responded to frustration and to determine how frustration affected simulated driving performance. Results: Groups did not differ in operational driving skills, but participants with high ADHD symptoms reported more frustration and exhibited more impairment at the tactical level of driving performance than the controls. There was significant suppression of respiratory sinus arrhythmia from resting baseline during tasks, but it did not differ between groups during driving. Conclusion: This article proposes that remedial driver training for ADHD populations should focus more on the control of negative emotions rather than on attention or fundamental driving skills. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; 16(6) 478-490)

Transfer of Computer-Based Training to Simulated Driving In Older Adults:

We evaluated the transfer of training on computer-based tasks that were specifically designed to tap cognitive abilities that are presumed to be used while driving, namely divided attention, visual monitoring and working memory. In particular, as older adults have been shown to suffer declines in cognitive abilities with advancing age, we asked whether some of these declines could be remediated with training. Using a driving simulator, participants’ driving performance was evaluated in several complex scenarios. Both computer-based training and driving tasks were presented individually and in combination with manual control tasks. We used regression analysis to examine the effects of the training on driving performance. Results revealed limited transfer of training from the computer-based training system to driving.

Validation of Inhibition Tasks for a Comprehensive Assessment of Visual Attention Across Age Groups

The primary goal of this study was to assess the utility of adding the Conners’ Continuous Performance Task (CPT) to a comprehensive assessment of visual attention, in order to provide it with a better measure of response inhibition. Two Maximum Likelihood Factor Analyses (MLFA) were performed and compared (one containing the Conners’ CPT and one without), in order to assess any differences within the resulting factor solutions. The two factor solutions were almost identical, with the exception of an additional factor of response inhibition existing within the MLFA containing the Conners’ CPT. This revealed that the Conners’ CPT did add a meaningful factor of response inhibition to the existing attention battery. In addition, age group differences were assessed by one-way ANOVAs of the individual factor scores from the Conners MLFA.