Effectiveness of a visual attention retraining program on the driving performance of clients with stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of a visual attention retraining program using the Useful Field of View (UFOV) with a traditional visuoperception treatment program on the driving performance of clients with stroke.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Rehabilitation hospital located in Quebec, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-seven individuals referred for driving evaluation after a stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to receive 20 sessions of either UFOV training of visual processing speed, divided attention, and selective attention or traditional computerized visuoperception retraining.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects were evaluated with an on-road driving evaluation, visuoperception tests, and the Test of Everyday Attention. An occupational therapist unaware of group assignment conducted all evaluations.

RESULTS

Eighty-four participants completed the outcome evaluation. There were no significant differences between groups on any of the outcome measures. There was, however, almost a 2-fold increase (52.4% vs 28.6%) in the rate of success on the on-road driving evaluation after UFOV training for subjects with right-sided lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation that targets visual attention skills was not significantly more beneficial than traditional perceptual training in improving the outcome of an on-road driving evaluation. However, results suggest a potential improvement for subjects with right-sided lesions, indicating that training must target specific skills.