Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, 1400 Caen, France.
CIREVE, CS 14032, 14032 Caen Cedex 5, France.
J Neurosci Methods. 2019 Nov 1;327:108388. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108388. Epub 2019 Aug 10.
Compared to previous neuropsychological investigations with standard paper-pen tests limited to test complex spatial learning and memory processes, 3-D virtual immersive technology might offer new tools for research purposes and for diagnosis in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Current software proposes a customizable VR environment combined with an analyser module based on regions of interest and some parameters of analysis or pre-calibrated VR mazes with raw data.
We attempted to create the VRmaze software offering either turnkey mazes with automatic tracking and analysis, or more complex and specific virtual mazes for human brain-behavioural research adaptable to all desired settings and parameters of analysis. The software combines 3D pre-calibrated VR tests or free customizable VR tests with digitized neuropsychological 2D standard and validated tests or tasks.
We have tested an ERAM, a MWM and a reverse T-maze on 44 healthy subjects, showing gender differences in terms of navigation strategy. We have observed that the choice of benchmarks, instructions, and experimental parameters influence the performances.
VRmaze software offers a translational approach for research units that wish to combine animal models and patient evaluations as well as complex 3D tasks and standardized neuropsychological tests combined with an automatic analysis opening a large perspective in the neurosciences to investigate cognitive functions. A clinical module with preconfigured 2- and 3-D tasks should offer clinicians an easy way to evaluate their patients routinely.
与以往仅限于测试复杂空间学习和记忆过程的标准纸笔测试的神经心理学研究相比，3D 虚拟沉浸式技术可能为研究目的和诊断轻度认知障碍或痴呆症患者提供新的工具。
目前的软件提出了一种可定制的 VR 环境，结合了基于感兴趣区域和一些分析参数的分析器模块，或者是具有原始数据的预校准 VR 迷宫。
我们试图创建 VRmaze 软件，提供带有自动跟踪和分析的即用型迷宫，或者更复杂和特定的用于人类大脑行为研究的虚拟迷宫，可适应所有所需的设置和分析参数。该软件将 3D 预校准 VR 测试或可自由定制的 VR 测试与数字化神经心理学 2D 标准和经过验证的测试或任务相结合。
我们在 44 名健康受试者中测试了 ERAM、MWM 和反向 T 迷宫，结果显示出性别在导航策略方面的差异。我们观察到，基准、说明和实验参数的选择会影响性能。
VRmaze 软件为希望结合动物模型和患者评估以及复杂 3D 任务和标准化神经心理学测试的研究单位提供了一种转化方法，结合自动分析，为神经科学领域的认知功能研究开辟了广阔的前景。具有预配置 2D 和 3D 任务的临床模块应该为临床医生提供一种常规评估患者的简便方法。
