Effectiveness of a visual attention retraining program on the driving performance of clients with stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of a visual attention retraining program using the Useful Field of View (UFOV) with a traditional visuoperception treatment program on the driving performance of clients with stroke.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Rehabilitation hospital located in Quebec, Canada.


METHODS
Ninety-seven individuals referred for driving evaluation after a stroke.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to receive 20 sessions of either UFOV training of visual processing speed, divided attention, and selective attention or traditional computerized visuoperception retraining.


METHODS
Subjects were evaluated with an on-road driving evaluation, visuoperception tests, and the Test of Everyday Attention. An occupational therapist unaware of group assignment conducted all evaluations.


RESULTS
Eighty-four participants completed the outcome evaluation. There were no significant differences between groups on any of the outcome measures. There was, however, almost a 2-fold increase (52.4% vs 28.6%) in the rate of success on the on-road driving evaluation after UFOV training for subjects with right-sided lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation that targets visual attention skills was not significantly more beneficial than traditional perceptual training in improving the outcome of an on-road driving evaluation. However, results suggest a potential improvement for subjects with right-sided lesions, indicating that training must target specific skills.
Mazer
Barbara L
BL
Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Réadaptation, Laval, QC, Canada. barbara.mazer@mail.mcguill.ca
Sofer
Susan
S
Korner-Bitensky
Nicol
N
Gelinas
Isabelle
I
Hanley
James
J
Wood-Dauphinee
Sharon
S
D000368:Aged; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001333:Automobile Driver Examination; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000193:education*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011930:Reaction Time; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014787:Vision Tests; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*