Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4937156 Computers in Human Behavior 2017 14 Pages PDF
Abstract
Memory deficit is one of the primary effects of intellectual disability, and has a great impact on daily life. Here, we propose a novel spatial memory training system based on a citizen science virtual environment, in which users navigate an aquatic robot in a polluted canal and identify specific objects from images acquired by the robot. A portable low-cost electroencephalography device is utilized to enhance the degree of interactivity and enable real-time estimation of the affective state of the user. We involved a cohort of 60 healthy adult subjects to evaluate users' interest, memory performance, and affective variables as a function of navigation modality (active versus passive) and interface (a traditional computer mouse versus the headset). Despite offering a higher level of difficulty, the headset was preferred over a traditional mouse control by the users, whose spatial memory performance did not vary with the navigation modality or the interface. Active navigation was found to lead to a higher level of engagement, as measured by the headset. These findings suggest the possibility of a new, effective, and entertaining form of intellectual rehabilitation with potential impact on fetal alcohol syndrome.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science Computer Science Applications
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