Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
A Gaze-Contingent Display Framework for Perceptual Learning Research with Simulated Central Vision Loss
Published on: April 11, 2025
Seeing the gaps: a systematic review of visual perception tools for children with hemiplegia
Megan Auld1, Roslyn Boyd, G Lorimer Moseley
1Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. mauld@uq.edu.au
Insights
This review found the Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test (MVPT) and Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP) have the best clinimetric data for assessing visual perception in children with hemiplegia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Visual perception deficits are prevalent in children with cerebral palsy - hemiplegia.
- Identifying optimal assessment tools is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the clinimetric properties of visual perception assessments for children with hemiplegia.
- To determine the most suitable assessment tool for this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for visual perception assessments used in children with hemiplegia.
- Inclusion criteria: measurement of visual perception, studies on hemiplegic children, availability of clinimetric data.
- Evaluation of clinimetric properties including validity and reliability.
Main Results:
- Three assessments met the criteria: Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS), Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test (MVPT), and Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP).
- TVPS and DTVP showed some subtest issues with factor analysis. All three had variable construct and criterion validity.
- DTVP, MVPT, and TVPS demonstrated high test-retest reliability for total scores, but TVPS subtests were less reliable.
Conclusions:
- The MVPT and DTVP exhibit superior clinimetric data compared to the TVPS.
- Further research is necessary to validate and confirm the reliability of the MVPT and DTVP for children with hemiplegia.
Purpose:
Visual perception difficulties are common in children with cerebral palsy - hemiplegia, however it is not known which assessment tool is the best for this population. This systematic review evaluates the clinimetric properties of visual perception assessments for children with hemiplegia.
Method:
Databases were searched for assessments that: (i) measured visual perception; (ii) were reported in studies with children with hemiplegia and (iii) had clinimetric data available to assessors.
Results:
Three assessments met criteria: the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS), Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test (MVPT) and Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP). Factor analysis has been completed for the TVPS and DTVP, with both assessments and especially the TVPS, demonstrating some subtests that do not load significantly for the first factor of motor-free visual perception. All three assessments demonstrate variable construct and criterion validity with other clinical assessments. The DTVP, MVPT and TVPS demonstrate high test-retest reliability for total scores, but individual TVPS subtests are less reliable.
Conclusions:
The MVPT and DTVP show the best clinimetric data, however, less research has been completed on these tests than the TVPS. Further research is required to confirm the validity and reliability of the MVPT and DTVP for children with hemiplegia.
