Virtual Reality for Persons with Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Assessment and Treatment in the Information Society for All

摘要

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is increasingly being recognized as a useful tool for the study, assessment, and rehabilitation of cognitive processes and functional abilities in persons with central nervous system dysfunction. Much like an aircraft simulator serves to test and train piloting ability, virtual environments can be developed to present simulations that target human cognition and behavior in normal and impaired populations. The capacity of VR technology to create dynamic, multi-sensory three-dimensional (3D) stimulus environments, within which all behavioral responding can be recorded, offers clinical assessment and rehabilitation options that are not available using traditional methods. The assets available and issues involved in the design of VR scenarios for use by persons with cognitive/functional impairments are considered in this article within the context of Information Society for All and Universal Access perspectives.