Visuomotor training for hemianopia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Efficacy of visuomotor training for individuals with visual field defects.
IRAS ID
188218
Contact name
Azuwan Musa
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Durham University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN16023965
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
It has been reported that 8.3% to 16% of chronic stroke patients suffer from partial blindness, or a visual field defect(VFD). These patients experience problems with many routine daily activities including driving, reading, and navigation for example. There are several approaches that have been developed to help patients with VFDs to cope with their visual loss, and the most effective are those that encourage the person to move their eyes more efficiently. We previously demonstrated that a home-based computer training we devised can be effective for such patients with regards to improving visual ability and quality of life. We have recently converted this training into an app called Durham Reading and Exploration (DREX) training that allows people to train using various devices, including touchscreen tablets. The app also includes some built in assessment tasks so that progress can be monitored regularly. We aim to test whether the training app if completed on either a computer or a touchscreen tablet can lead to significant improvements. We will randomly train 35 patients using a computer-based version where responses are given using a keyboard/mouse, 35 patients will train using a touchscreen tablet, and 35 patients will receive standard care (no additional training). Before and after training patients will be assessed on various visual and quality of life measurements. We will test whether those who receive the training (computer or visuomotor) show greater improvement than those in the standard care group. This research will establish whether the free and very accessible training app is an effective aid for patients with VFDs, and if so this could be easily incorporated into NHS practice.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0351
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion