Seminar Series

Computer-based post-stroke rehabilitation of prospective memory

Speaker

Tanja Mitrovic and Moffat Mathews

Institute

The University of Canterbury

Time & Place

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 14:00:00 NZDT in Erskine 315.

Abstract

We present a computer-based environment for rehabilitation of prospective memory in stroke survivors. Prospective Memory (PM), or remembering to perform actions in the future, is of crucial importance for everyday life. This kind of memory is often impaired in stroke survivors and can interfere with independent living. Fifteen participants were recruited to participate in our study consisting of 10 sessions. The participants were first trained on how to develop visual images in order to remember time- and event-based prospective memory tasks. After the visual imagery training, participants practiced their PM skills using videos, and later in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. The results show a significant improvement on PM skills as measured by the CAMPROMPT test, which remained stable 4 weeks after the treatment. VR-based training was well accepted by the participants.

Biography

Tanja Mitrovic is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
Moffat Mathews is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.