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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Visuospatial Memory Stimulation Using Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer
Anna Serweta-Pawlik1, Maciej Lachowicz2, Alina Żurek3
1Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, J. I. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland.
Cancers
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) may help prevent cognitive decline in head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment. This pilot study showed VR did not worsen, and sometimes improved, working memory in most participants.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI) is prevalent in cancer patients.
- Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging intervention for cognitive stimulation in oncology.
- No prior studies have investigated VR's impact on working memory in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using off-the-shelf VR applications to mitigate CRCI in HNC patients.
- To evaluate the effect of VR intervention on visuospatial memory capacity, a component of working memory.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 22 HNC patients undergoing oncological treatment.
- Patients participated in 30-minute VR sessions, three times weekly, using commercially available VR applications.
- Visuospatial memory was assessed before and after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes in visuospatial memory were observed overall between pre- and post-study assessments.
- However, 88% of patients showed no deterioration in visual-spatial memory, with 28% exhibiting improved scores.
- VR intervention was safely administered to HNC patients with no reported adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- VR intervention appears to be a safe and potentially beneficial tool for preserving or improving working memory in HNC patients during cancer treatment.
- The findings suggest VR may help prevent CRCI in a majority of HNC patients.
- Further rigorous research with larger cohorts and control groups is recommended to confirm these preliminary results.
