Millions of patients each year suffer from acute cognitive impairment caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc. Despite increasing incidences and morbidity, effective pharmacological interventions continue to show a lack of improvement for brain cancer patients. Studies thus far have shown that non-pharmacological interventions have contributed to early success in addressing some forms of cognitive impairment for patients with cognitive dysfunction. We have built a phase-one fully functioning game Hometown Bound that offers cognitive challenges to patients. The aim of this study is to observe for measured improvement of cognitive function among brain cancer patients, which will be validated by the four cognitive scales, measuring efficacy. The first three scales measure patient baseline impairment before and after game play.
After the completion of a usability study, a two-arm, randomized parallel-group efficacy pilot study will be executed with adult brain cancer patients to estimate cognitive improvements using 3 cognitive assessment measures. Arms will include an experimental group (intervention) and the non-gameplay attention group (control). Experimental group: estimate approximately 10 hours of game play (over 4 weeks) and 1-2 hours of cognitive survey testing will be needed Control group: It is estimated approximately 10 hours of Word-Search and Crossword Puzzle play (over 4 weeks) and 1-2 hours of cognitive survey testing will be needed. Patient total duration of the intervention will be four weeks (3X per week) starting approximately one to two weeks after the conclusion of all cancer treatment (chemo and radiation therapy). Depending on the patients' ability/comfort level, we will determine if they are able to use the VR headset and hand controls. The 3 cognitive scales: 1. Hopkins Verbal Learning and Memory test 2. Controlled Oral Word Association test (verbal fluency/exec. functions) 3. Trail Making test (processing speed, executive function, visual perception)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
9
See description above.
Markey Cancer Center, Neuro Oncology Outpatient Clinic
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Hopkins Verbal Learning and Memory test
The test consists of a 12-item word list, composed of four words from each of the three semantic categories. The participant listens and memorizes the words as the examiner reads the complete word list of 12 items. This is followed by the participant's attempt to recite back the list of words in any order.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Controlled Oral Word Association
This is a verbal fluency test. Participants are instructed to produce as many words as possible in a 1-minute time-period that begin with the letter cues C, F and L, which were originally selected for their increasing difficulty.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Trail Making A-B
This test consists of 25 circles each distributed over a sheet of paper. In Part A, the circles are numbered 1-25 and, in Part B, the circles include both numbers 1-13 and letters A-L. With Part A, the participant is instructed to draw lines to connect the numbers in ascending order and in Part B, the participant is instructed to draw lines to connect the circles in an ascending pattern, while alternating between the numbers and letters (i.e., 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, etc.)
Time frame: 4 weeks
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