A comparison of attention, processing and strategy use by adults with and without acquired brain injuries

Abstract

Primary objective: To compare the visual attention, processing and strategy use of adults with and without acquired brain injuries (ABI).

Design and methods: A repeated-measures, matched groups design was used with 30 adults. Pre-test/ post-test measures included three functional computer tasks. Weekly measures included a computerized version of PASAT and two computerized matching tasks.

Interventions: Six weekly sessions consisted of computerized tasks designed to challenge visual attention and processing.

Results: Both groups improved on all measures. The participants without neurological impairments performed better on all measures. Both groups used similar strategies to complete the visual attention and processing tasks. Strategy use was much more prolific among participants without neurological deficits.

Conclusions: ABI results in reduced visual attention and processing during functional computerized tasks and in the ability to use strategies for these deficit areas. Despite better visual attention and processing skills, participants without neurological deficits used more strategies to complete functional tasks.