A comparison of attention, processing and strategy use by adults with and without acquired brain injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the visual attention, processing and strategy use of adults with and without acquired brain injuries (ABI).


METHODS
A repeated-measures, matched groups design was used with 30 adults. Pre-test/ post-test measures included three functional computer tasks. Weekly measures included a computerized version of PASAT and two computerized matching tasks.


METHODS
Six weekly sessions consisted of computerized tasks designed to challenge visual attention and processing.


RESULTS
Both groups improved on all measures. The participants without neurological impairments performed better on all measures. Both groups used similar strategies to complete the visual attention and processing tasks. Strategy use was much more prolific among participants without neurological deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
ABI results in reduced visual attention and processing during functional computerized tasks and in the ability to use strategies for these deficit areas. Despite better visual attention and processing skills, participants without neurological deficits used more strategies to complete functional tasks.
Dirette
Diane
D
Department of Occupational Therapy, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. diane.dirette@wmich.edu
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D013060:Speech; D014787:Vision Tests; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*