Virtual environments for assessing and rehabilitating cognitive/functionalperformance - A review of projects at the USC Integrated Media Systems Center

Virtual reality (VR) technology offers new options for the creation of soph isticated tools that could be applied in the areas of assessment and rehabi litation of cognitive and functional processes. VR systems allow for the pr ecise presentation and control of dynamic, multisensory, three-dimensional (3-D) stimulus environments, as well as the recording of all behavioral res ponses that occur within them. Assessment and rehabilitation scenarios that would be difficult if not impossible to deliver using conventional neurops ychological methods are now being developed that take advantage of these VR assets. If empirical studies demonstrate effectiveness, virtual environmen ts (VEs) could be of considerable value for better understanding, measuring , and treating persons with impairments due to traumatic brain injury, neur ological disorders, and learning disabilities. This article describes the p rogress of a VR research program at the USC Integrated Media Systems Center and Information Sciences Institute that has developed and investigated the use of a series of VEs designed to target (i) molecular visuospatial skill s using a 3-D, projection-based ImmersaDesk system, and (ii) attention (and soon memory and executive functioning) processes within ecologically valid functional scenarios utilizing a head-mounted display (HMD). Results from completed research, rationales and methodology of works in progress, and ou r plan for future work is presented. Our primary vision has been to develop VR systems that target cognitive processes and functional skills that are of relevance to a wide range of patient populations with central nervous sy stem (CNS) dysfunction, as well as for the assessment of unimpaired perform ance. We have also sought to select cognitive/functional targets that intui tively appear well matched to the specific assets available with currently available VR technology.