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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
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Virtual Prism Adaptation Therapy: Protocol for Validation in Healthy Adults
Published on: February 12, 2020
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A home-based prism adaptation training for neglect patients
Paola Fortis1, Roberta Ronchi2, Valeria Velardo3
1Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Laboratorio Sperimentale di Ricerche di Neuropsicologia Clinica, Milano, Italy; Center for Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
Summary
Home-based prism adaptation (PA) therapy effectively treats spatial neglect, a common disorder after right-brain damage. This ecological PA method, using engaging activities, significantly improved patient function and was maintained for six months.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Spatial neglect is a common and disabling consequence of right hemisphere brain damage.
- Prism adaptation (PA) therapy, particularly standard pointing tasks, has shown efficacy in improving neglect symptoms.
- A novel, more ecologically valid PA protocol using varied visuo-motor activities offers a potentially more engaging and feasible treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an ecological, home-based prism adaptation (PA) therapy for chronic left spatial neglect.
- To assess the feasibility and patient experience of home-based PA administered with caregiver support.
- To determine the long-term maintenance of treatment gains.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with right-brain-damaged chronic left spatial neglect participated.
- A two-week home-based ecological PA treatment was administered, with an optional two-week extension for some.
- A control period using neutral goggles preceded the PA treatment; assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Two weeks of ecological home-based PA significantly improved performance on neuropsychological tests (BIT, Cancellation), neurological scales (NIH), and functional abilities (CBS) compared to baseline and neutral goggles.
- Improvements were maintained for at least six months post-treatment.
- The home-based ecological PA was reported as affordable, pleasant, and feasible.
Conclusions:
- Home-based ecological prism adaptation is an effective and sustainable treatment for spatial neglect.
- This approach offers a practical, patient-centered alternative to traditional, hospitalization-based therapies.
- The method holds significant potential for improving the quality of life for individuals with spatial neglect.
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