Leiden University Scholarly Publications

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Kuil, M.N.A. van der (2024)

Charting the path towards rehabilitation: a compensatory approach to navigation impairments

Doctoral Thesis
Navigation problems are common in patients with acquired brain injury. These patients experience difficulty when travelling between places, frequently get lost and often experience spatial anxiety. Navigation problems can have a profound impact on the daily lives of these patients. This doctoral research focuses on the development and validation of a rehabilitation therapy for patients with navigation problems. The goal was to develop a standardized therapy, suitable for patients with a variety of navigation impairments and various levels of cognitive functioning. A compensatory approach was taken: patients gain insight into their own navigational abilities and are trained to adopt a beneficial navigation strategy. The therapy encompasses psycho-education and the utilization of a serious game that patients can engage with in a home-based setting. In the game, patients are trained to use alternative navigation strategies in virtual environments. A series of studies was performed...Show moreNavigation problems are common in patients with acquired brain injury. These patients experience difficulty when travelling between places, frequently get lost and often experience spatial anxiety. Navigation problems can have a profound impact on the daily lives of these patients. This doctoral research focuses on the development and validation of a rehabilitation therapy for patients with navigation problems. The goal was to develop a standardized therapy, suitable for patients with a variety of navigation impairments and various levels of cognitive functioning. A compensatory approach was taken: patients gain insight into their own navigational abilities and are trained to adopt a beneficial navigation strategy. The therapy encompasses psycho-education and the utilization of a serious game that patients can engage with in a home-based setting. In the game, patients are trained to use alternative navigation strategies in virtual environments. A series of studies was performed to develop the theoretical foundation of the therapy, ensure the usability and feasibility of the software and assess the acceptance of the therapy among healthcare providers. Finally, the effectiveness of the therapy was determined. Evidence is found that using the rehabilitation therapy leads to a reduction of navigation problems and the attainment of self-determined rehabilitation goals.
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Navigation
Spatial cognition
Cognitive rehabilitation
Compensation strategy
Serious game
Blended-care
Virtual reality
All authors
Kuil, M.N.A. van der
Supervisor
Ham, I.J.M. van der; Evers, A.W.M.; Visser-Meily, J.M.A.
Committee
Rombouts, S.A.R.B.; Hulst, H.E.; Postma, A.; Heugten, C.M. van; Bennekom, C.A.M. van
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
Date
2024-01-24
ISBN (print)
9789464836615

Funding

Sponsorship
STW: Take-off grant (14098) and the Virtutis Opus Foundation