Retraining moderately impaired stroke survivors in driving-related visual attention skills.
BACKGROUND
Visual inattention is a major cause of road accidents and is a problem commonly experienced after stroke.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effects of 2 training programs on performance in the Useful Field of View (UFOV), a validated test of driving-related visual attention skills.


METHODS
Data from 69 first-ever, moderately impaired stroke survivors who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the effects of simulator training on driving after stroke were analyzed. In addition to regular interventions at a rehabilitation center, participants received 15 hours of either simulator-based driving-related training or non-computer-based cognitive training over 5 weeks.


RESULTS
Total percentage reduction in UFOV and performance in divided and selective attention and speed of processing subtests were documented at 6 to 9 weeks (pretraining), 11 to 15 weeks (posttraining), and 6 months post stroke (follow-up). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model revealed neither group effects nor significant interaction effects of group with time in the UFOV total score and the 3 subtests. However, there were significant within-group improvements from pre- through posttraining to follow-up for all the UFOV parameters. Post-hoc GEE analysis revealed that most improvement in both groups occurred from pre- to posttraining.


CONCLUSIONS
Both training programs significantly improved visual attention skills of moderately impaired stroke survivors after 15 hours of training and retention of benefit lasted up to 6 months after stroke. Neither of the training programs was better than the other.
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia.
Abiodun E
AE
Akinwuntan
Hannes
H
Devos
Geert
G
Verheyden
Guido
G
Baten
Carlotte
C
Kiekens
Hilde
H
Feys
Willy
W
De Weerdt
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*