Citation

Cox DJ, Davis M, Singh H, Barbour B, Nidiffer FD, Trudel T, Mourant R, Moncrief R. Mil. Med. 2010; 175(6): 411-416.

Affiliation

University of Virginia Health System, Box 800223, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20572473

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of virtual reality driving simulation rehabilitation training (VRDSRT) with military personnel recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Eleven men with TBI were randomly assigned as controls (n = 5) receiving residential rehabilitation only or the VRDSRT group (n = 6) receiving residential rehabilitation and VRDSRT. All subjects underwent pre- and post-assessments including simulator driving, and completing road rage and risky driving questionnaires. Between assessments, VRDSRT subjects received 4-6, 60- to 90-min rehabilitation training sessions involving practicing progressively more complex driving skills (lane position, speed control, etc.) through progressively more demanding traffic. RESULTS: VRDSRT was well received, considered realistic and effective, with no reported simulation sickness. Driving performance improved significantly in the VRDSRT group only (p < 0.01). They also demonstrated a reduction in road rage (p = 0.01) and risky driving (p = 0.04) at post-assessment. CONCLUSION: VRDSRT showed promising results with respect to retraining driving performance and behavior among military personnel recovering from TBI.

Language: en