Change of Visual Perception in Geriatric Strokes after Visuomotor Coordination Training

Kim, Eun Joo; Lee, Ko Eun; Lee, Kwang Lae; Kim, Hyun Gyeong; Yoon, Yong Hoon; Jeon, Sun Young; Yu, Jeong A

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of visuomotor coordination training on the visual perception of geriatric stroke patients. METHOD: Thirty (n=30) cooperative geriatric stroke patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy, and intervention group received additional visuomotor coordination training with Dynavision for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. We assessed visual perception and functional status before and after intervention by measuring K-MMSE, K-MBI, K-DRS scores, and by conducting Computerized Neuropsychological Test (CNT) (Maxmedia, Seoul, Korea) 1) visual memory; visual span backward & forward, 2) visual attention; visual continuous performance test (correct response, reaction time), 3) visuomotor coordination; trail making A test.
RESULTS
The intervention group showed significant improvement in visual attention (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in visual memory, visuomotor coordination and K-DRS (p>0.05). Both groups showed significant increase in K-MMSE and K-MBI scores (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Dynavision training improved the primary visual skill - visual attention, but did not improve higher order visual skills, such as visual memory, visuomotor coordination, cognition or functional performance in the elder stroke patients. Dynavision could be a useful tool for cognitive rehabilitation in patients with cognitive impairment and attention deficit by improving visual attention.