Cognitive rehabilitation with right hemifield eye-patching for patients with sub-acute stroke and visuo-spatial neglect: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether, following a right-hemisphere stroke, the combined administration of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation and right hemifield eye-patching in patients with visuo-spatial neglect is more effective than computer-based cognitive rehabilitation alone.

Methods: Twelve patients were randomized into two treatment groups: a single treatment group (n = 7) and a combination treatment group (n = 5). In both cases, the treatment consisted of a mean number of 15 sessions, each lasting 1 hour. Visuo-spatial neglect was assessed using a specific exploration protocol (Bell Cancellation Test, Figure Copying of Odgen, Line Bisection, Baking Tray Task and Reading Task). The functional effects of the treatment were assessed using the Catherine Bergego Scale.

Results: Significant between-group differences were observed when comparing the pre- and post-treatment scores for the Reading Task. No differences were observed in either group in the Catherine Bergego Scale administered at baseline and at the final intervention.

Conclusion: The results obtained do not allow one to conclude that the combination treatment with cognitive rehabilitation and right hemifield eye-patching is more effective than cognitive rehabilitation alone. Although partial improvement in the performance of neuropsychological tests was observed, this improvement is not present at functional level.

Keywords: Hemifield eye-patching; neglect; rehabilitation; stroke.