Enhancing spatial navigation skills in mild cognitive impairment patients: a usability study of a new version of ANTaging software

Chiara Stramba-Badiale; Cosimo Tuena; Karine Marie Goulene; Pietro Cipresso; Sandra Morelli; Mirko Rossi; Giuseppe D'Avenio; Marco Stramba-Badiale; Giuseppe Riva

doi:10.3389/fnhum.2023.1310375

Enhancing spatial navigation skills in mild cognitive impairment patients: a usability study of a new version of ANTaging software

Front Hum Neurosci. 2024 Jan 8:17:1310375. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1310375. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
² Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
⁴ IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino, Italy.
⁵ National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
⁶ Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.

Abstract

Introduction: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) often presents challenges related to spatial navigation and retention of spatial information. Navigating space involves intricate integration of bodily and environmental cues. Spatial memory is dependent on two distinct frame of reference systems for organizing this information: egocentric and allocentric frames of reference. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing spatial navigation skills and spatial memory by facilitating the manipulation of bodily, environmental, and cognitive cues.

Methods: This usability study was based on a fully within-subjects design in which seven MCI patients underwent two kinds of VR conditions: participants were required to complete the ANTaging demo both in Oculus Rift S (immersive condition) and in Samsung UHD 4K monitor (semi-immersive condition). Participants were seated and they had to use a foot-motion pad to navigate and explore the environment to collect and relocate some objects in the virtual environment. Post-interaction, users provided feedback on their experiences. Additionally, usability, potential side effects, data analysis feasibility, and user preferences with immersive and semi-immersive technologies were assessed through questionnaires.

Results: Results indicated higher usability ratings for the semi-immersive setup, with fewer negative effects reported compared to the immersive counterpart. According to qualitative analyses of the interviews, patients do seem to like both VR apparatuses even though the semi-immersive condition was perceived as the most suitable choice because of the size of the screen. Patients generally found it difficult to remember object locations. Participants expressed the need for more practice with the foot-motion pad, despite an overall positive experience. They generally would like to use this system to improve their memory.

Discussion: Identifying these key aspects was crucial for refining the system before the upcoming clinical trial. This study sheds light on the potential of semi-immersive VR in aiding individuals with MCI, paving the way for enhanced spatial navigation interventions.

Keywords: aging; embodiment; mild cognitive impairment; motor system; navigation; spatial memory; virtual reality.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Research funded by the Italian Ministry of Health (RF-2021-12374099).