Computerized Evaluation of Attention, Learning-Memory, and Executive Function in People with Disability Caused by Injury: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study tested a free online tool called VIRTRAEL for assessing cognitive functions in people with brain injuries, finding it to be a valid and accessible option.

Contribution

The study validates the use of the VIRTRAEL platform for cognitive assessment in individuals with acquired brain injury.

Findings

VIRTRAEL showed significant correlations with traditional tests for attention, learning-memory, and executive function.

The platform was found to be valid for cognitive assessment in individuals with ABI, except for reasoning and verbal memory recognition.

VIRTRAEL is a valuable, accessible tool for monitoring cognitive status and reintegration.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to validate the tests in the VIRTRAEL assessment module for individuals in the chronic stage of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Methods: A total of 32 participants (81.3% male) were assessed, including 20 individuals who had experienced a stroke (62.5%) and 12 who had experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cognitive functions such as attention (d2 Attention Test and Digit Subscale of the WAIS-III), learning-memory (HVLT-R and Letters and Numbers Subscale of the WAIS-III), and executive function (Similarities and Matrices Subscales of the WAIS-III and the Zoo Map Test, version 1 of the BADS Battery) were evaluated using standardized paper-and-pencil tests and computerized tests from the VIRTRAEL online platform. Convergent and divergent correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS version 28. Results: Significant correlations were observed between scores in both formats (ranging from r = 0.408 in planning to r = 0.818 in delayed verbal recall), except in reasoning and verbal memory recognition. Conclusions: The tests from the free online platform VIRTRAEL demonstrate adequate validity for the cognitive assessment of individuals with ABI. This suggests that VIRTRAEL is a valuable, accessible tool for monitoring cognitive status, potentially benefiting health, education, and social and occupational reintegration.