"Using perceptual biases to track post-stroke recovery"
Research type
Research Study
Full title
"Using perceptual biases in visual processes to track recovery in stroke patients from acute to chronic stage"
IRAS ID
330983
Contact name
Ayelet Sapir
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
To determine depth in 2D images, the visual system relies on cues in the image, such as shading patterns, combined with prior knowledge and assumptions about the position of the light source.
Previous research has consistently found that people assume, as a default, that the light source is located above and to the left of an object. This left bias is reliable in healthy individuals and is thought to reflect hemispheric lateralisation, and specifically, a right hemisphere advantage for visual processing. Therefore, a left bias in the assumed light source direction may serve as a marker for a right hemisphere functionality.
The aim of the current study is to ascertain whether a simple visual task, assessing the assumed light source direction, can serve as an effective tool to track visuospatial recovery following a unilateral stroke. We will evaluate the effectiveness of this short visual task by comparing it to other cognitive assessments in patients with right and left hemisphere lesions, at three different time points, ranging from acute to chronic stage after stroke.
Assessing recovery is crucial for treatment planning, monitoring progress and predicting outcomes, however, traditional assessments can be time consuming and overwhelming for patients. Establishing a test for tracking recovery following stroke would provide patients and clinicians with a simple, short, and easy to use tool for monitoring recovery.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
23/WA/0254
Date of REC Opinion
1 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion