New software dedicated to virtual mazes for human cognitive investigations.
Alzheimer's disease
Computer
Evaluation
Hippocampus
Human behaviour
Neuropsychology
Path integration
Spatial memory
Strategy
Supermarket
Virtual maze
Journal
Journal of neuroscience methods
ISSN: 1872-678X
Titre abrégé: J Neurosci Methods
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 7905558
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 11 2019
01 11 2019
Historique:
received:
08
10
2018
revised:
23
07
2019
accepted:
01
08
2019
pubmed:
14
8
2019
medline:
6
10
2020
entrez:
14
8
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Compared to previous neuropsychological investigations with standard paper-pen tests limited to test complex spatial learning and memory processes, 3-D virtual immersive technology might offer new tools for research purposes and for diagnosis in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Current software proposes a customizable VR environment combined with an analyser module based on regions of interest and some parameters of analysis or pre-calibrated VR mazes with raw data. We attempted to create the VRmaze software offering either turnkey mazes with automatic tracking and analysis, or more complex and specific virtual mazes for human brain-behavioural research adaptable to all desired settings and parameters of analysis. The software combines 3D pre-calibrated VR tests or free customizable VR tests with digitized neuropsychological 2D standard and validated tests or tasks. We have tested an ERAM, a MWM and a reverse T-maze on 44 healthy subjects, showing gender differences in terms of navigation strategy. We have observed that the choice of benchmarks, instructions, and experimental parameters influence the performances. VRmaze software offers a translational approach for research units that wish to combine animal models and patient evaluations as well as complex 3D tasks and standardized neuropsychological tests combined with an automatic analysis opening a large perspective in the neurosciences to investigate cognitive functions. A clinical module with preconfigured 2- and 3-D tasks should offer clinicians an easy way to evaluate their patients routinely.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Compared to previous neuropsychological investigations with standard paper-pen tests limited to test complex spatial learning and memory processes, 3-D virtual immersive technology might offer new tools for research purposes and for diagnosis in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS
Current software proposes a customizable VR environment combined with an analyser module based on regions of interest and some parameters of analysis or pre-calibrated VR mazes with raw data.
NEW METHOD
We attempted to create the VRmaze software offering either turnkey mazes with automatic tracking and analysis, or more complex and specific virtual mazes for human brain-behavioural research adaptable to all desired settings and parameters of analysis. The software combines 3D pre-calibrated VR tests or free customizable VR tests with digitized neuropsychological 2D standard and validated tests or tasks.
RESULTS
We have tested an ERAM, a MWM and a reverse T-maze on 44 healthy subjects, showing gender differences in terms of navigation strategy. We have observed that the choice of benchmarks, instructions, and experimental parameters influence the performances.
CONCLUSION
VRmaze software offers a translational approach for research units that wish to combine animal models and patient evaluations as well as complex 3D tasks and standardized neuropsychological tests combined with an automatic analysis opening a large perspective in the neurosciences to investigate cognitive functions. A clinical module with preconfigured 2- and 3-D tasks should offer clinicians an easy way to evaluate their patients routinely.
Identifiants
pubmed: 31408650
pii: S0165-0270(19)30245-6
doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108388
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
108388Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.