Abstract
Introduction: Visual field loss affects around 20% of stroke survivors, reducing quality of life. Eye movement training is a promising rehabilitation method, and several different interventions are used by occupational therapists. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effects of four eye movement training interventions for stroke survivors with visual field loss. Method: A mixed methods study – quantitative n-of-1 with qualitative interviews. The participants were 11 home-dwelling stroke survivors with visual field loss. The interventions used were MyHappyNeuron, NVT, Rainbow Readers and VISIOcoach, delivered in a randomised order. Visual search, reading speed, activities of daily living and quality of life were assessed three times before intervention use, then immediately after each intervention; these were analysed visually. A final semi-structured interview was then analysed using framework methods. Results: Evidence of effect was divergent. Quantitatively there was no measured effect, but qualitatively participants reported benefits in visual skills, daily life skills and emotions, which varied by intervention. Median training time was 3–4 hours (range 0.5–6.5) for NVT, Rainbow Readers and MyHappyNeuron, and 9.5 hours (range 2.3–16.8) for VISIOcoach. Conclusion: Eye movement training interventions were feasible for stroke survivors at home. Qualitative evidence suggests that variations in the eye movements trained and delivery modality underlie variations in perceived effect.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 278-288 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | British Journal of Occupational Therapy |
Volume | 84 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 2 Aug 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 May 2021 |
Bibliographical note
AcknowledgementsThe author(s) would like to thank the designers of all included scanning training tools for providing free access during this study. They wish to note that MyHappyNeuron is designed for a general population, and a version specifically for healthcare use (HappyNeuron Pro) is also available. We would also like to
thank the low vision centres and rehabilitation officers involved in this study
Funding
This study was funded by the Stroke Association (UK) by way of a Junior Research and Training Fellowship held by the lead author (TSA JRTF 2011/02). MCB, AP and the NMAHP Research Unit are funded by the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funders.
Keywords
- compensation
- eye movement training
- mixed methods
- rehabilitation
- Stroke
- visual field loss