Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
05:30
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Predictors of Return to Driving in Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Sujin Hwang1, Chiang-Soon Song2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea, bu.ac.kr.
Occupational Therapy International
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Simulator and virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation effectively improves driving performance in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Key predictors for successful return-to-driving include cognitive function and lower initial injury severity.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Traffic Safety
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Acquired brain injury (ABI) often impairs driving ability, necessitating targeted rehabilitation.
- Assessing fitness to drive after ABI is crucial for public safety and individual independence.
- Predictors of successful return-to-driving require comprehensive synthesis to inform clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of driving rehabilitation for ABI patients.
- To identify and analyze key predictors of successful return-to-driving after ABI.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest.
- Eleven studies (4 RCTs, 7 cross-sectional) were included, with quality assessed using PRISMA checklists.
- Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs).
Main Results:
- Cognitive processing speed, reaction time, and functional independence were identified as predictors.
- Lower initial injury severity (higher GCS scores) significantly predicted return-to-driving.
- Simulator and VR-based training reduced driving errors (SMD = -1.19) and increased on-road test success (OR = 3.37).
Conclusions:
- Simulator-based interventions positively impact driving performance, cognitive/functional abilities, and self-efficacy in ABI patients.
- These interventions facilitate a successful return to driving.
- Findings provide a foundation for developing clinical guidelines for safe driving resumption post-ABI.
