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A dual-task-embedded virtual reality system for intelligent quantitative assessment of cognitive processing speed
Yuzhao Zhou1, Yixuan Zhao1, Zirui Xiang1
1School of Electronic and Information Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|April 17, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a virtual reality method to assess processing speed, a key cognitive function affected in conditions like multiple sclerosis. The VR-Street dual-task effectively estimates processing speed, offering a new tool for diagnosis and training.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Processing speed is a crucial cognitive function often impaired in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia.
- Traditional paper-pencil tests for processing speed assessment are limited by their need for clinical supervision and controlled environments.
- There is a need for accessible and ecologically valid methods for cognitive assessment and training in daily life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an intelligent evaluation method for processing speed using virtual reality (VR).
- To assist clinicians in the diagnosis of cognitive impairments by providing quantitative processing speed measures.
- To explore the utility of a dual-task paradigm within a VR environment for cognitive assessment.
Main Methods:
- An immersive virtual reality environment, VR-Street, was created, incorporating a Stroop task.
- Participants performed a dual-task combining street-crossing and the Stroop task.
- Machine learning models were developed using a 50-participant dataset to correlate VR task features with standard cognitive test results.
Main Results:
- All Stroop task features demonstrated significant correlation with cognitive test results.
- The developed intelligent evaluation model accurately estimated processing speed scores (MAE=0.800, relative accuracy=0.916, R=0.804).
- Combining Stroop task features with behavioral data from the VR environment yielded superior performance compared to using single-task features.
Conclusions:
- The VR-Street dual-task effectively mobilizes attention and cognitive resources, providing a more comprehensive reflection of cognitive processing speed.
- This VR-based approach offers a novel and accurate quantitative method for evaluating cognitive function.
- The findings support the potential of virtual reality for accessible and objective cognitive assessment and rehabilitation.
