Stahl, Carlotta (2022) Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Neuropsychological Therapy Program in Combination with FES in Ameliorating (Allocentric) Neglect. Research Master thesis, Research Master.
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Abstract
Spatial neglect can be divided into multiple subtypes, two of which include egocentric (space-based) and allocentric neglect (object-based). Although allocentric neglect in particular has been linked to poor functional outcomes, current treatment approaches often only show effectiveness for treating egocentric but not allocentric neglect. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a combination of Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the contralesional arm and exercise-based (allocentric) neglect therapy to a general neuropsychological therapy with FES in ameliorating (allocentric) neglect. Furthermore, the effectiveness of FES independent of treatment was investigated by comparison of an allocentric neglect therapy with FES to a general neuropsychological therapy without FES. Additionally, neuroanatomical correlates of allocentric and egocentric neglect were investigated. Employing an AB/BA cross-over design, patients with right-hemispheric lesions and left-sided neglect underwent treatment for several weeks. The allocentric neglect therapy with FES did not prove more effective than the other two treatment options in treating allocentric neglect, nor was it superior in ameliorating egocentric neglect or at improving functional independence. While there were treatment-independent improvements of egocentric neglect and functional independence over time, allocentric severity remained unchanged. Furthermore, while no benefit of the combination of FES and allocentric neglect therapy over and beyond a general neuropsychological therapy could be established, important insights regarding its feasibility were gained. Finally, a significant lesion cluster associated with allocentric neglect, located in the anterior parts of the brain, could be identified. Although the present study could not establish a successful treatment approach for allocentric neglect, it allowed for the identification of multiple areas for future research on allocentric neglect recovery and treatment.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Research Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Heutink, J.H.C. |
| Degree programme: | Research Master |
| Differentiation route: | Deficits, Distress, and Disorders [Research Master] |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Oct 2022 12:17 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Apr 2024 14:10 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1455 |
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