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Chapter 7
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-9740-9.ch007
ABSTRACT
Virtual Reality is one of the most promising tools in the development of new methods for neuropsychological
assessment and rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment is typically carried out by administering
paper-and-pencil tests to patients. However, these tests have some limitations, due to the fact that they
are not efectively able to evaluate the subject’s performance of daily activities. To cope with this void,
neuropsychologists base their evaluation on their clinical experience, often successfully. Nevertheless,
this is not an evidence-based practice, thus it is not considered optimal from a medical decision-making
perspective. More recently, however, the increasing accessibility of advanced technology such as virtual
reality has opened new possibilities for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation. Starting with
this frame, the chapter explores the changes that have occurred over time in the neuropsychological
assessment and rehabilitation up to the most recent VR-based tools. In particular, we will present a VR-
based PC tool for the assessment of executive functions, and a VR-based mobile tool for the assessment
and rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect. In accordance with the literature, we show the potential
for virtual reality, highlighting the advantages, limitations, and the possible future challenges.
The Use of Virtual Reality
Tools for the Assessment
of Executive Functions and
Unilateral Spatial Neglect
Elisa Pedroli
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
Silvia Serino
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
Alice Chicchi Giglioli
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
Federica Pallavicini
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
Pietro Cipresso
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy
Giuseppe Riva
Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab,
IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy &
Catholic University of Milan, Italy