Publications
Search
101.
Eini, Dalit Shefer; Ratzon, Navah Z.; Rizzo, Albert A.; Yeh, Shih-Ching; Lange, Belinda; Yaffe, Batia; Daich, Alexander; Weiss, Patrice L.; Kizony, Rachel
Camera-tracking gaming control device for evaluation of active wrist flexion and extension Journal Article
In: Journal of Hand Therapy, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 89–96, 2017, ISSN: 08941130.
@article{shefer_eini_camera-tracking_2017,
title = {Camera-tracking gaming control device for evaluation of active wrist flexion and extension},
author = {Dalit Shefer Eini and Navah Z. Ratzon and Albert A. Rizzo and Shih-Ching Yeh and Belinda Lange and Batia Yaffe and Alexander Daich and Patrice L. Weiss and Rachel Kizony},
url = {http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0894113016301132},
doi = {10.1016/j.jht.2016.07.002},
issn = {08941130},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Hand Therapy},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {89–96},
abstract = {Study Design: Cross sectional. Introduction: Measuring wrist range of motion (ROM) is an essential procedure in hand therapy clinics. Purpose of the Study: To test the reliability and validity of a dynamic ROM assessment, the Camera WristTracker (CWT). Methods: Wrist flexion and extension ROM of 15 patients with distal radius fractures and 15 matchedcontrols were assessed with the CWT and with a universal goniometer. Results: One-way model intraclass correlation coefficient analysis indicated high test-retest reliability for extension (ICC ¼ 0.92) and moderate reliability for flexion (ICC ¼ 0.49). Standard error for extension was 2.45 and for flexion was 4.07 . Repeated-measures analysis revealed a significant main effect for group; ROM was greater in the control group (F[1, 28] ¼ 47.35; P textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless.001). The concurrent validity of the CWT was partially supported. Conclusion: The results indicate that the CWT may provide highly reliable scores for dynamic wrist extension ROM, and moderately reliable scores for flexion, in people recovering from a distal radius fracture. Level of Evidence: N/A.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Study Design: Cross sectional. Introduction: Measuring wrist range of motion (ROM) is an essential procedure in hand therapy clinics. Purpose of the Study: To test the reliability and validity of a dynamic ROM assessment, the Camera WristTracker (CWT). Methods: Wrist flexion and extension ROM of 15 patients with distal radius fractures and 15 matchedcontrols were assessed with the CWT and with a universal goniometer. Results: One-way model intraclass correlation coefficient analysis indicated high test-retest reliability for extension (ICC ¼ 0.92) and moderate reliability for flexion (ICC ¼ 0.49). Standard error for extension was 2.45 and for flexion was 4.07 . Repeated-measures analysis revealed a significant main effect for group; ROM was greater in the control group (F[1, 28] ¼ 47.35; P textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless.001). The concurrent validity of the CWT was partially supported. Conclusion: The results indicate that the CWT may provide highly reliable scores for dynamic wrist extension ROM, and moderately reliable scores for flexion, in people recovering from a distal radius fracture. Level of Evidence: N/A.
102.
Talbot, Thomas B.; Lyon, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert; John, Bruce
Virtual Child Witness-Effects of single and multiple use on performance with Novice and Expert cohorts in a structured virtual human interview Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2016, Orlando, Florida, 2016.
@inproceedings{talbot_virtual_2016,
title = {Virtual Child Witness-Effects of single and multiple use on performance with Novice and Expert cohorts in a structured virtual human interview},
author = {Thomas B. Talbot and Thomas D. Lyon and Albert Rizzo and Bruce John},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Virtual%20Child%20Witness%20Effects%20of%20single%20and%20multiple%20use%20on%20performance%20with%20Novice%20and%20Expert%20cohorts%20in%20a%20structured%20virtual%20human%20interview.pdf},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-12-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2016},
address = {Orlando, Florida},
abstract = {Virtual human avatars can be used to train and assess a myriad of complex skills, such as interviewing, interpersonal, and clinical skills, in a safe environment that provides consistency, reduced cost, greater accessibility, and objective feedback. We created a structured virtual human interview which consisted of a conversational avatar that interacts verbally in response to on screen question choices. Our prototype was a forensic interview simulation called Virtual Child Witness (VCW). VCW provides a content-rich interview in response to open-ended questions and is designed to assess user’s interviewing strategy. In a quasi-experimental design, we evaluated 222 subjects to determine if the system could discriminate between Experts (M = .713},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Virtual human avatars can be used to train and assess a myriad of complex skills, such as interviewing, interpersonal, and clinical skills, in a safe environment that provides consistency, reduced cost, greater accessibility, and objective feedback. We created a structured virtual human interview which consisted of a conversational avatar that interacts verbally in response to on screen question choices. Our prototype was a forensic interview simulation called Virtual Child Witness (VCW). VCW provides a content-rich interview in response to open-ended questions and is designed to assess user’s interviewing strategy. In a quasi-experimental design, we evaluated 222 subjects to determine if the system could discriminate between Experts (M = .713
103.
Rizzo, Albert; Scherer, Scherer; DeVault, David; Gratch, Jonathan; Artstein, Ronald; Hartholt, Arno; Lucas, Gale; Marsella, Stacy; Morbini, Fabrizio; Nazarian, Angela; Stratou, Giota; Traum, David; Wood, Rachel; Boberg, Jill; Morency, Louis Philippe
Detection and computational analysis of psychological signals using a virtual human interviewing agent Journal Article
In: Journal of Pain Management, pp. 311–321, 2016, ISSN: 1939-5914.
@article{rizzo_detection_2016,
title = {Detection and computational analysis of psychological signals using a virtual human interviewing agent},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Scherer Scherer and David DeVault and Jonathan Gratch and Ronald Artstein and Arno Hartholt and Gale Lucas and Stacy Marsella and Fabrizio Morbini and Angela Nazarian and Giota Stratou and David Traum and Rachel Wood and Jill Boberg and Louis Philippe Morency},
url = {http://www.icdvrat.org/2014/papers/ICDVRAT2014_S03N3_Rizzo_etal.pdf},
issn = {1939-5914},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-11-01},
journal = {Journal of Pain Management},
pages = {311–321},
abstract = {It has long been recognized that facial expressions, body posture/gestures and vocal parameters play an important role in human communication and the implicit signalling of emotion. Recent advances in low cost computer vision and behavioral sensing technologies can now be applied to the process of making meaningful inferences as to user state when a person interacts with a computational device. Effective use of this additive information could serve to promote human interaction with virtual human (VH) agents that may enhance diagnostic assessment. This paper will focus on our current research in these areas within the DARPA-funded "Detection and Computational Analysis of Psychological Signals" project, with specific attention to the SimSensei application use case. SimSensei is a virtual human interaction platform that is able to sense and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the system. It is specifically designed for health care support and leverages years of virtual human research and development at USC-ICT. The platform enables an engaging face-to-face interaction where the virtual human automatically reacts to the state and inferred intent of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human to human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user. The system can also quantify and interpret sensed behavioral signals longitudinally that can be used to inform diagnostic assessment within a clinical context.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
It has long been recognized that facial expressions, body posture/gestures and vocal parameters play an important role in human communication and the implicit signalling of emotion. Recent advances in low cost computer vision and behavioral sensing technologies can now be applied to the process of making meaningful inferences as to user state when a person interacts with a computational device. Effective use of this additive information could serve to promote human interaction with virtual human (VH) agents that may enhance diagnostic assessment. This paper will focus on our current research in these areas within the DARPA-funded "Detection and Computational Analysis of Psychological Signals" project, with specific attention to the SimSensei application use case. SimSensei is a virtual human interaction platform that is able to sense and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the system. It is specifically designed for health care support and leverages years of virtual human research and development at USC-ICT. The platform enables an engaging face-to-face interaction where the virtual human automatically reacts to the state and inferred intent of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human to human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user. The system can also quantify and interpret sensed behavioral signals longitudinally that can be used to inform diagnostic assessment within a clinical context.
104.
McAlinden, Ryan; Kang, Sin-Hwa; Nye, Benjamin; Phillips, Artemisa; Campbell, Julia; Goldberg, Stephan L.
Cost-Effective Strategies for Producing Engaging Online Courseware Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings from the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2016, National Training and Simulation Association, Orlando, FL, 2016.
@inproceedings{mcalinden_cost-effective_2016,
title = {Cost-Effective Strategies for Producing Engaging Online Courseware},
author = {Ryan McAlinden and Sin-Hwa Kang and Benjamin Nye and Artemisa Phillips and Julia Campbell and Stephan L. Goldberg},
url = {http://www.iitsecdocs.com/search},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-11-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings from the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2016},
publisher = {National Training and Simulation Association},
address = {Orlando, FL},
abstract = {As distributed learning (dL) and computer-based training (CBT) continue to proliferate, the methods of delivery often remain unengaging and bland for participants. Though many of the leaders in commercial online learning have improved their delivery style and quality in recent years, they continue to fall short in terms of user engagement and satisfaction. PowerPoint regurgitation and video lectures are commonplace and leave end users uninspired and wanting more. This paper discusses results from an ongoing research project, Captivating Virtual Instruction for Training (CVIT), which is aimed at understanding and improving dL through a series of recommendations and best practices for promoting and enhancing student engagement online. Though the central focus is on engagement, and how that translates to learning potential, a third variable (cost) has been examined to understand the financial and resource impacts on making content more interesting (i.e. the return on investment, or ROI). The paper presents findings from a 3-year long experiment comparing existing dL methods and techniques both within and outside of the Army. The project developed two dL versions of an existing Army course (Advanced Situational Awareness-Basic (ASA-B)) – the first was designed around producing material that was as engaging and as immersive as possible within a target budget; the second was a scaled-down version using more traditional, yet contemporary dL techniques (PowerPoint recital, video lectures). The two were then compared along three dimensions– engagement, learning and cost. The findings show that improved engagement in distributed courseware is possible without breaking the bank, though the returns on learning with these progressive approaches remain inconclusive. More importantly, it was determined that the quality and experience of the designers, production staff, writers, animators, programmers, and others cannot be underestimated, and that the familiar phrase – ‘you get what you pay for’ is as true with online learning as it is with other areas of content design and software development.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
As distributed learning (dL) and computer-based training (CBT) continue to proliferate, the methods of delivery often remain unengaging and bland for participants. Though many of the leaders in commercial online learning have improved their delivery style and quality in recent years, they continue to fall short in terms of user engagement and satisfaction. PowerPoint regurgitation and video lectures are commonplace and leave end users uninspired and wanting more. This paper discusses results from an ongoing research project, Captivating Virtual Instruction for Training (CVIT), which is aimed at understanding and improving dL through a series of recommendations and best practices for promoting and enhancing student engagement online. Though the central focus is on engagement, and how that translates to learning potential, a third variable (cost) has been examined to understand the financial and resource impacts on making content more interesting (i.e. the return on investment, or ROI). The paper presents findings from a 3-year long experiment comparing existing dL methods and techniques both within and outside of the Army. The project developed two dL versions of an existing Army course (Advanced Situational Awareness-Basic (ASA-B)) – the first was designed around producing material that was as engaging and as immersive as possible within a target budget; the second was a scaled-down version using more traditional, yet contemporary dL techniques (PowerPoint recital, video lectures). The two were then compared along three dimensions– engagement, learning and cost. The findings show that improved engagement in distributed courseware is possible without breaking the bank, though the returns on learning with these progressive approaches remain inconclusive. More importantly, it was determined that the quality and experience of the designers, production staff, writers, animators, programmers, and others cannot be underestimated, and that the familiar phrase – ‘you get what you pay for’ is as true with online learning as it is with other areas of content design and software development.
105.
Kang, Sin-Hwa; Feng, Andrew W.; Seymour, Mike; Shapiro, Ari
Study comparing video-based characters and 3D-based characters on mobile devices for chat Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Motion in Games, pp. 181–186, ACM Press, Burlingame, California, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-4503-4592-7.
@inproceedings{kang_study_2016,
title = {Study comparing video-based characters and 3D-based characters on mobile devices for chat},
author = {Sin-Hwa Kang and Andrew W. Feng and Mike Seymour and Ari Shapiro},
url = {http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2994274},
doi = {10.1145/2994258.2994274},
isbn = {978-1-4503-4592-7},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-10-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Motion in Games},
pages = {181–186},
publisher = {ACM Press},
address = {Burlingame, California},
abstract = {This study explores presentation techniques for a chat-based virtual human that communicates engagingly with users. Interactions with the virtual human occur via a smartphone outside of the lab in natural settings. Our work compares the responses of users who interact with an animated virtual character as opposed to a real human video character capable of displaying realistic backchannel behaviors. An audio-only interface is compared additionally with the two types of characters. The findings of our study suggest that people are socially attracted to a 3D animated character that does not display backchannel behaviors more than a real human video character that presents realistic backchannel behaviors. People engage in conversation more by talking for a longer amount of time when they interact with a 3D animated virtual human that exhibits realistic backchannel behaviors, compared to communicating with a real human video character that does not display backchannel behaviors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This study explores presentation techniques for a chat-based virtual human that communicates engagingly with users. Interactions with the virtual human occur via a smartphone outside of the lab in natural settings. Our work compares the responses of users who interact with an animated virtual character as opposed to a real human video character capable of displaying realistic backchannel behaviors. An audio-only interface is compared additionally with the two types of characters. The findings of our study suggest that people are socially attracted to a 3D animated character that does not display backchannel behaviors more than a real human video character that presents realistic backchannel behaviors. People engage in conversation more by talking for a longer amount of time when they interact with a 3D animated virtual human that exhibits realistic backchannel behaviors, compared to communicating with a real human video character that does not display backchannel behaviors.
106.
Kang, Sin-Hwa; Feng, Andrew W.; Seymour, Mike; Shapiro, Ari
Smart Mobile Virtual Characters: Video Characters vs. Animated Characters Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Human Agent Interaction, pp. 371–374, ACM Press, Biopolis, Singapore, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-4503-4508-8.
@inproceedings{kang_smart_2016,
title = {Smart Mobile Virtual Characters: Video Characters vs. Animated Characters},
author = {Sin-Hwa Kang and Andrew W. Feng and Mike Seymour and Ari Shapiro},
url = {http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2980511},
doi = {10.1145/2974804.2980511},
isbn = {978-1-4503-4508-8},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-10-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Human Agent Interaction},
pages = {371–374},
publisher = {ACM Press},
address = {Biopolis, Singapore},
abstract = {This study investigates presentation techniques for a chatbased virtual human that communicates engagingly with users via a smartphone outside of the lab in natural settings. Our work compares the responses of users who interact with an animated 3D virtual character as opposed to a real human video character capable of displaying backchannel behaviors. The findings of our study demonstrate that people are socially attracted to a 3D animated character that does not display backchannel behaviors more than a real human video character that presents realistic backchannel behaviors. People engage in conversation more by talking for a longer amount of time when they interact with a 3D animated virtual human that exhibits backchannel behaviors, compared to communicating with a real human video character that does not display backchannel behaviors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This study investigates presentation techniques for a chatbased virtual human that communicates engagingly with users via a smartphone outside of the lab in natural settings. Our work compares the responses of users who interact with an animated 3D virtual character as opposed to a real human video character capable of displaying backchannel behaviors. The findings of our study demonstrate that people are socially attracted to a 3D animated character that does not display backchannel behaviors more than a real human video character that presents realistic backchannel behaviors. People engage in conversation more by talking for a longer amount of time when they interact with a 3D animated virtual human that exhibits backchannel behaviors, compared to communicating with a real human video character that does not display backchannel behaviors.
107.
Bresnahan, T.; Rizzo, A.; Burke, S. L.; Partin, M.; Ahlness, R. M.; Trimmer, M.
Using Virtual Interactive Training Agents (VITA) with Adults with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality, and Associated Technology, pp. 49–56, ICDVRAT and the University of Reading, Los Angeles, CA, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-7049-1547-3.
@inproceedings{bresnahan_using_2016,
title = {Using Virtual Interactive Training Agents (VITA) with Adults with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities},
author = {T. Bresnahan and A. Rizzo and S. L. Burke and M. Partin and R. M. Ahlness and M. Trimmer},
url = {http://www.icdvrat.org/2016/papers/ICDVRAT2016_S02N2_Bresnahan_etal.pdf},
isbn = {978-0-7049-1547-3},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-09-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality, and Associated Technology},
pages = {49–56},
publisher = {ICDVRAT and the University of Reading},
address = {Los Angeles, CA},
abstract = {Conversational Virtual Human (VH) agents are increasingly being used to support role-play experiential learning across a range of use-cases and populations. This project examined whether use of the Virtual Interactive Training Agent (VITA) system would improve job interviewing skills in a sample of persons with autism or other developmental disability. The study examined performance differences between baseline and final interviews in face-to-face and virtual reality conditions, and whether statistically significant increases were demonstrated between interviewing conditions. Paired samples t-tests were utilized to examine mean changes in performance by interview stage and in the overall difference between baseline and final interview stages. The preliminary results indicated that VITA is a positive factor when preparing young adults with autism or other developmental disability for employment interviews. Statistically significant results were demonstrated across all pilot conditions and in all but one post-assessment condition.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Conversational Virtual Human (VH) agents are increasingly being used to support role-play experiential learning across a range of use-cases and populations. This project examined whether use of the Virtual Interactive Training Agent (VITA) system would improve job interviewing skills in a sample of persons with autism or other developmental disability. The study examined performance differences between baseline and final interviews in face-to-face and virtual reality conditions, and whether statistically significant increases were demonstrated between interviewing conditions. Paired samples t-tests were utilized to examine mean changes in performance by interview stage and in the overall difference between baseline and final interview stages. The preliminary results indicated that VITA is a positive factor when preparing young adults with autism or other developmental disability for employment interviews. Statistically significant results were demonstrated across all pilot conditions and in all but one post-assessment condition.
108.
Buckwalter, J. Galen; Castellani, Brian; Mcewen, Bruce; Karlamangla, Arun S.; Rizzo, Albert A.; John, Bruce; O'donnell, Kyle; Seeman, Teresa
Allostatic Load as a Complex Clinical Construct: A Case-Based Computational Modeling Approach Journal Article
In: Complexity, vol. 21, no. S1, pp. 291–306, 2016, ISSN: 10762787.
@article{galen_buckwalter_allostatic_2016,
title = {Allostatic Load as a Complex Clinical Construct: A Case-Based Computational Modeling Approach},
author = {J. Galen Buckwalter and Brian Castellani and Bruce Mcewen and Arun S. Karlamangla and Albert A. Rizzo and Bruce John and Kyle O'donnell and Teresa Seeman},
url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/cplx.21743},
doi = {10.1002/cplx.21743},
issn = {10762787},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-09-01},
journal = {Complexity},
volume = {21},
number = {S1},
pages = {291–306},
abstract = {Allostatic load (AL) is a complex clinical construct, providing a unique window into the cumulative impact of stress. However, due to its inherent complexity, AL presents two major measurement challenges to conventional statistical modeling (the field’s dominant methodology): it is comprised of a complex causal network of bioallostatic systems, represented by an even larger set of dynamic biomarkers; and, it is situated within a web of antecedent socioecological systems, linking AL to differences in health outcomes and disparities. To address these challenges, we employed casebased computational modeling (CBM), which allowed us to make four advances: (1) we developed a multisystem, 7-factor (20 biomarker) model of AL’s network of allostatic systems; (2) used it to create a catalog of nine different clinical AL profiles (causal pathways); (3) linked each clinical profile to a typology of 23 health outcomes; and (4) explored our results (post hoc) as a function of gender, a key socioecological factor. In terms of highlights, (a) the Healthy clinical profile had few health risks; (b) the pro-inflammatory profile linked to high blood pressure and diabetes; (c) Low Stress Hormones linked to heart disease, TIA/Stroke, diabetes, and circulation problems; and (d) high stress hormones linked to heart disease and high blood pressure. Post hoc analyses also found that males were overrepresented on the High Blood Pressure (61.2%), Metabolic Syndrome (63.2%), High Stress Hormones (66.4%), and High Blood Sugar (57.1%); while females were overrepresented on the Healthy (81.9%), Low Stress Hormones (66.3%), and Low Stress Antagonists (stress buffers) (95.4%) profiles.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Allostatic load (AL) is a complex clinical construct, providing a unique window into the cumulative impact of stress. However, due to its inherent complexity, AL presents two major measurement challenges to conventional statistical modeling (the field’s dominant methodology): it is comprised of a complex causal network of bioallostatic systems, represented by an even larger set of dynamic biomarkers; and, it is situated within a web of antecedent socioecological systems, linking AL to differences in health outcomes and disparities. To address these challenges, we employed casebased computational modeling (CBM), which allowed us to make four advances: (1) we developed a multisystem, 7-factor (20 biomarker) model of AL’s network of allostatic systems; (2) used it to create a catalog of nine different clinical AL profiles (causal pathways); (3) linked each clinical profile to a typology of 23 health outcomes; and (4) explored our results (post hoc) as a function of gender, a key socioecological factor. In terms of highlights, (a) the Healthy clinical profile had few health risks; (b) the pro-inflammatory profile linked to high blood pressure and diabetes; (c) Low Stress Hormones linked to heart disease, TIA/Stroke, diabetes, and circulation problems; and (d) high stress hormones linked to heart disease and high blood pressure. Post hoc analyses also found that males were overrepresented on the High Blood Pressure (61.2%), Metabolic Syndrome (63.2%), High Stress Hormones (66.4%), and High Blood Sugar (57.1%); while females were overrepresented on the Healthy (81.9%), Low Stress Hormones (66.3%), and Low Stress Antagonists (stress buffers) (95.4%) profiles.
109.
Reger, Greg M.; Koenen-Woods, Patricia; Zetocha, Kimberlee; Smolenski, Derek J.; Holloway, Kevin M.; Rothbaum, Barbara O.; Difede, JoAnn; Rizzo, Albert A.; Edwards-Stewart, Amanda; Skopp, Nancy A.; Mishkind, Matthew; Reger, Mark A.; Gahm, Gregory A.
In: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2016, ISSN: 1939-2117, 0022-006X.
@article{reger_randomized_2016,
title = {Randomized Controlled Trial of Prolonged Exposure Using Imaginal Exposure vs. Virtual Reality Exposure in Active Duty Soldiers With Deployment-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).},
author = {Greg M. Reger and Patricia Koenen-Woods and Kimberlee Zetocha and Derek J. Smolenski and Kevin M. Holloway and Barbara O. Rothbaum and JoAnn Difede and Albert A. Rizzo and Amanda Edwards-Stewart and Nancy A. Skopp and Matthew Mishkind and Mark A. Reger and Gregory A. Gahm},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amanda_Edwards-Stewart/publication/307950241_Randomized_Controlled_Trial_of_Prolonged_Exposure_Using_Imaginal_Exposure_vs_Virtual_Reality_Exposure_in_Active_Duty_Soldiers_With_Deployment-Related_Posttraumatic_Stress_Disorder_PTSD/links/57d6f13f08ae601b39ac25d9.pdf},
doi = {10.1037/ccp0000134},
issn = {1939-2117, 0022-006X},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-09-01},
journal = {Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology},
abstract = {Prolonged exposure (PE) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but there is limited research with active-duty military populations. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) has shown promise but randomized trials are needed to evaluate efficacy relative to existing standards of care. This study evaluated the efficacy of VRE and PE for active duty soldiers with PTSD from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Active-duty soldiers ( = 162) were randomized to 10-sessions of PE, VRE, or a minimal attention waitlist (WL). Blinded assessors evaluated symptoms at baseline, halfway through treatment, at posttreatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Intent-to-treat analyses found that both PE and VRE resulted in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms relative to those in the WL. The majority of patients demonstrated reliable change in PTSD symptoms. There was no difference between PE and VRE regarding treatment drop out before completing 10 sessions (44 and 41% for VRE and PE, respectively). Contrary to hypotheses, analyses at posttreatment did not show that VRE was superior to PE. Post hoc analyses found that PE resulted in significantly greater symptom reductions than VRE at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Both treatments significantly reduced self-reported stigma. PE is an efficacious treatment for active-duty Army soldiers with PTSD from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. Results extend previous evidence supporting the efficacy of PE to active-duty military personnel and raise important questions for future research on VRE},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Prolonged exposure (PE) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but there is limited research with active-duty military populations. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) has shown promise but randomized trials are needed to evaluate efficacy relative to existing standards of care. This study evaluated the efficacy of VRE and PE for active duty soldiers with PTSD from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Active-duty soldiers ( = 162) were randomized to 10-sessions of PE, VRE, or a minimal attention waitlist (WL). Blinded assessors evaluated symptoms at baseline, halfway through treatment, at posttreatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Intent-to-treat analyses found that both PE and VRE resulted in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms relative to those in the WL. The majority of patients demonstrated reliable change in PTSD symptoms. There was no difference between PE and VRE regarding treatment drop out before completing 10 sessions (44 and 41% for VRE and PE, respectively). Contrary to hypotheses, analyses at posttreatment did not show that VRE was superior to PE. Post hoc analyses found that PE resulted in significantly greater symptom reductions than VRE at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Both treatments significantly reduced self-reported stigma. PE is an efficacious treatment for active-duty Army soldiers with PTSD from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. Results extend previous evidence supporting the efficacy of PE to active-duty military personnel and raise important questions for future research on VRE
110.
Rizzo, AA; Lucas, G; Gratch, J; Stratou, G; Morency, L-P; Shilling, R; Hartholt, A; Scherer, S
Clinical interviewing by a virtual human agent with automatic behavior analysis Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of The 2016 Proceedings of the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies, pp. 57–64, ICDVRAT and the University of Reading, Los Angeles, CA, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-7049-1547-3.
@inproceedings{rizzo_clinical_2016,
title = {Clinical interviewing by a virtual human agent with automatic behavior analysis},
author = {AA Rizzo and G Lucas and J Gratch and G Stratou and L-P Morency and R Shilling and A Hartholt and S Scherer},
url = {http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/66645/8/ICDVRAT2016_Full_Proceedings_11th%20_Conf.pdf},
isbn = {978-0-7049-1547-3},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-09-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of The 2016 Proceedings of the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies},
pages = {57–64},
publisher = {ICDVRAT and the University of Reading},
address = {Los Angeles, CA},
abstract = {SimSensei is a Virtual Human (VH) interviewing platform that uses off-the-shelf sensors (i.e., webcams, Microsoft Kinect and a microphone) to capture and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the VH system. The system was specifically designed for clinical interviewing and health care support by providing a face-to-face interaction between a user and a VH that can automatically react to the inferred state of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from the user’s facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human-to-human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer user state from signals generated from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user and to quantify user state from the data captured across a 20 minute interview. As well, previous research with SimSensei indicates that users engaging with this automated system, have less fear of evaluation and self-disclose more personal information compare to when they believe the VH agent is actually an avatar being operated by a “wizard of oz” human-in-the-loop (Lucas et al., 2014). The current study presents results from a sample of military service members (SMs) who were interviewed within the SimSensei system before and after a deployment to Afghanistan. Results indicate that SMs reveal more PTSD symptoms to the SimSensei VH agent than they self-report on the Post Deployment Health Assessment. Pre/Post deployment facial expression analysis indicated more sad expressions and fewer happy expressions at post deployment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
SimSensei is a Virtual Human (VH) interviewing platform that uses off-the-shelf sensors (i.e., webcams, Microsoft Kinect and a microphone) to capture and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the VH system. The system was specifically designed for clinical interviewing and health care support by providing a face-to-face interaction between a user and a VH that can automatically react to the inferred state of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from the user’s facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human-to-human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer user state from signals generated from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user and to quantify user state from the data captured across a 20 minute interview. As well, previous research with SimSensei indicates that users engaging with this automated system, have less fear of evaluation and self-disclose more personal information compare to when they believe the VH agent is actually an avatar being operated by a “wizard of oz” human-in-the-loop (Lucas et al., 2014). The current study presents results from a sample of military service members (SMs) who were interviewed within the SimSensei system before and after a deployment to Afghanistan. Results indicate that SMs reveal more PTSD symptoms to the SimSensei VH agent than they self-report on the Post Deployment Health Assessment. Pre/Post deployment facial expression analysis indicated more sad expressions and fewer happy expressions at post deployment.
111.
Freed, Michael C.; Novak, Laura A.; Killgore, William D. S.; Rauch, Sheila A. M.; Koehlmoos, Tracey P.; Ginsberg, J. P.; Krupnick, Janice L.; Rizzo, Albert "Skip"; Andrews, Anne; Engel, Charles C.
IRB and Research Regulatory Delays Within the Military Health System: Do They Really Matter? And If So, Why and for Whom? Journal Article
In: The American Journal of Bioethics, vol. 16, no. 8, pp. 30–37, 2016, ISSN: 1526-5161, 1536-0075.
@article{freed_irb_2016,
title = {IRB and Research Regulatory Delays Within the Military Health System: Do They Really Matter? And If So, Why and for Whom?},
author = {Michael C. Freed and Laura A. Novak and William D. S. Killgore and Sheila A. M. Rauch and Tracey P. Koehlmoos and J. P. Ginsberg and Janice L. Krupnick and Albert "Skip" Rizzo and Anne Andrews and Charles C. Engel},
url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15265161.2016.1187212},
doi = {10.1080/15265161.2016.1187212},
issn = {1526-5161, 1536-0075},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-08-01},
journal = {The American Journal of Bioethics},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {30–37},
abstract = {Institutional review board (IRB) delays may hinder the successful completion of federally funded research in the U.S. military. When this happens, time-sensitive, mission-relevant questions go unanswered. Research participants face unnecessary burdens and risks if delays squeeze recruitment timelines, resulting in inadequate sample sizes for definitive analyses. More broadly, military members are exposed to untested or undertested interventions, implemented by well-intentioned leaders who bypass the research process altogether. To illustrate, we offer two case examples. We posit that IRB delays often appear in the service of managing institutional risk, rather than protecting research participants. Regulators may see more risk associated with moving quickly than risk related to delay, choosing to err on the side of bureaucracy. The authors of this article, all of whom are military-funded researchers, government stakeholders, and/or human subject protection experts, offer feasible recommendations to improve the IRB system and, ultimately, research within military, veteran, and civilian populations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Institutional review board (IRB) delays may hinder the successful completion of federally funded research in the U.S. military. When this happens, time-sensitive, mission-relevant questions go unanswered. Research participants face unnecessary burdens and risks if delays squeeze recruitment timelines, resulting in inadequate sample sizes for definitive analyses. More broadly, military members are exposed to untested or undertested interventions, implemented by well-intentioned leaders who bypass the research process altogether. To illustrate, we offer two case examples. We posit that IRB delays often appear in the service of managing institutional risk, rather than protecting research participants. Regulators may see more risk associated with moving quickly than risk related to delay, choosing to err on the side of bureaucracy. The authors of this article, all of whom are military-funded researchers, government stakeholders, and/or human subject protection experts, offer feasible recommendations to improve the IRB system and, ultimately, research within military, veteran, and civilian populations.
112.
Washburn, Micki; Bordnick, Patrick; Rizzo, Albert “Skip”
A pilot feasibility study of virtual patient simulation to enhance social work students’ brief mental health assessment skills Journal Article
In: Social Work in Health Care, pp. 1–19, 2016, ISSN: 0098-1389, 1541-034X.
@article{washburn_pilot_2016,
title = {A pilot feasibility study of virtual patient simulation to enhance social work students’ brief mental health assessment skills},
author = {Micki Washburn and Patrick Bordnick and Albert “Skip” Rizzo},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00981389.2016.1210715},
doi = {10.1080/00981389.2016.1210715},
issn = {0098-1389, 1541-034X},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-08-01},
journal = {Social Work in Health Care},
pages = {1–19},
abstract = {This study presents preliminary feasibility and acceptability data on the use of virtual patient (VP) simulations to develop brief assessment skills within an interdisciplinary care setting. Results support the acceptability of technology-enhanced simulations and offer preliminary evidence for an association between engagement in VP practice simulations and improvements in diagnostic accuracy and clinical interviewing skills. Recommendations and next steps for research on technologyenhanced simulations within social work are discussed.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study presents preliminary feasibility and acceptability data on the use of virtual patient (VP) simulations to develop brief assessment skills within an interdisciplinary care setting. Results support the acceptability of technology-enhanced simulations and offer preliminary evidence for an association between engagement in VP practice simulations and improvements in diagnostic accuracy and clinical interviewing skills. Recommendations and next steps for research on technologyenhanced simulations within social work are discussed.
113.
Norrholm, Seth Davin; Jovanovic, Tanja; Gerardi, Maryrose; Breazeale, Kathryn G.; Price, Matthew; Davis, Michael; Duncan, Erica; Ressler, Kerry J.; Bradley, Bekh; Rizzo, Albert; Tuerk, Peter W.; Rothbaum, Barbara O.
Baseline psychophysiological and cortisol reactivity as a predictor of PTSD treatment outcome in virtual reality exposure therapy Journal Article
In: Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 82, pp. 28–37, 2016, ISSN: 00057967.
@article{norrholm_baseline_2016,
title = {Baseline psychophysiological and cortisol reactivity as a predictor of PTSD treatment outcome in virtual reality exposure therapy},
author = {Seth Davin Norrholm and Tanja Jovanovic and Maryrose Gerardi and Kathryn G. Breazeale and Matthew Price and Michael Davis and Erica Duncan and Kerry J. Ressler and Bekh Bradley and Albert Rizzo and Peter W. Tuerk and Barbara O. Rothbaum},
url = {http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0005796716300663},
doi = {10.1016/j.brat.2016.05.002},
issn = {00057967},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-07-01},
journal = {Behaviour Research and Therapy},
volume = {82},
pages = {28–37},
abstract = {Baseline cue-dependent physiological reactivity may serve as an objective measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Additionally, prior animal model and psychological studies would suggest that subjects with greatest symptoms at baseline may have the greatest violation of expectancy to danger when undergoing exposure based psychotherapy; thus treatment approaches which enhanced the learning under these conditions would be optimal for those with maximal baseline cue-dependent reactivity. However methods to study this hypothesis objectively are lacking. Virtual reality (VR) methodologies have been successfully employed as an enhanced form of imaginal prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Our goal was to examine the predictive nature of initial psychophysiological (e.g., startle, skin conductance, heart rate) and stress hormone responses (e.g., cortisol) during presentation of VR-based combat-related stimuli on PTSD treatment outcome. Combat veterans with PTSD underwent 6 weeks of VR exposure therapy combined with either D-cycloserine (DCS), alprazolam (ALP), or placebo (PBO). In the DCS group, startle response to VR scenes prior to initiation of treatment accounted for 76% of the variance in CAPS change scores, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless 0.001, in that higher responses predicted greater changes in symptom severity over time. Additionally, baseline cortisol reactivity was inversely associated with treatment response in the ALP group},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Baseline cue-dependent physiological reactivity may serve as an objective measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Additionally, prior animal model and psychological studies would suggest that subjects with greatest symptoms at baseline may have the greatest violation of expectancy to danger when undergoing exposure based psychotherapy; thus treatment approaches which enhanced the learning under these conditions would be optimal for those with maximal baseline cue-dependent reactivity. However methods to study this hypothesis objectively are lacking. Virtual reality (VR) methodologies have been successfully employed as an enhanced form of imaginal prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD. Our goal was to examine the predictive nature of initial psychophysiological (e.g., startle, skin conductance, heart rate) and stress hormone responses (e.g., cortisol) during presentation of VR-based combat-related stimuli on PTSD treatment outcome. Combat veterans with PTSD underwent 6 weeks of VR exposure therapy combined with either D-cycloserine (DCS), alprazolam (ALP), or placebo (PBO). In the DCS group, startle response to VR scenes prior to initiation of treatment accounted for 76% of the variance in CAPS change scores, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless 0.001, in that higher responses predicted greater changes in symptom severity over time. Additionally, baseline cortisol reactivity was inversely associated with treatment response in the ALP group
114.
Kang, Sin-Hwa; Phan, Thai; Bolas, Mark; Krum, David M.
User Perceptions of a Virtual Human Over Mobile Video Chat Interactions Book Section
In: Human-Computer Interaction. Novel User Experiences, vol. 9733, pp. 107–118, Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland, 2016, ISBN: 978-3-319-39512-8 978-3-319-39513-5.
@incollection{kang_user_2016,
title = {User Perceptions of a Virtual Human Over Mobile Video Chat Interactions},
author = {Sin-Hwa Kang and Thai Phan and Mark Bolas and David M. Krum},
url = {http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/913/chp%253A10.1007%252F978-3-319-39513-5_10.pdf?originUrl=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Fchapter%2F10.1007%2F978-3-319-39513-5_10&token2=exp=1474906977 acl=%2Fstatic%2Fpdf%2F913%2Fchp%25253A10.1007%25252F978-3-319-39513-5_10.pdf%3ForiginUrl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Fchapter%252F10.1007%252F978-3-319-39513-5_10* hmac=14d38ee320936bf1edfc65a0d3fcc0855c42e0baba46e0f3a9a81293698b8b68},
isbn = {978-3-319-39512-8 978-3-319-39513-5},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-01},
booktitle = {Human-Computer Interaction. Novel User Experiences},
volume = {9733},
pages = {107–118},
publisher = {Springer International Publishing},
address = {Cham, Switzerland},
abstract = {We believe that virtual humans, presented over video chat services, such as Skype, and delivered using smartphones, can be an effective way to deliver innovative applications where social interactions are important, such as counseling and coaching. To explore this subject, we have built a hardware and software apparatus that allows virtual humans to initiate, receive, and interact over video calls using Skype or any similar service. With this platform, we conducted two experiments to investigate the applications and characteristics of virtual humans that interact over mobile video. In Experiment 1, we investigated user reactions to the physical realism of the background scene in which a virtual human was displayed. In Experiment 2, we examined how virtual characters can establish and maintain longer term relationships with users, using ideas from Social Exchange Theory to strengthen bonds between interactants. Experiment 2 involved repeated interactions with a virtual human over a period of time. Both studies used counseling-style interactions with users. The results demonstrated that males were more attracted socially to a virtual human that was presented over a realistic background than a featureless background while females were more socially attracted to a virtual human with a less realistic featureless background. The results further revealed that users felt the virtual human was a compassionate partner when they interacted with the virtual human over multiple calls, rather than just a single call.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
We believe that virtual humans, presented over video chat services, such as Skype, and delivered using smartphones, can be an effective way to deliver innovative applications where social interactions are important, such as counseling and coaching. To explore this subject, we have built a hardware and software apparatus that allows virtual humans to initiate, receive, and interact over video calls using Skype or any similar service. With this platform, we conducted two experiments to investigate the applications and characteristics of virtual humans that interact over mobile video. In Experiment 1, we investigated user reactions to the physical realism of the background scene in which a virtual human was displayed. In Experiment 2, we examined how virtual characters can establish and maintain longer term relationships with users, using ideas from Social Exchange Theory to strengthen bonds between interactants. Experiment 2 involved repeated interactions with a virtual human over a period of time. Both studies used counseling-style interactions with users. The results demonstrated that males were more attracted socially to a virtual human that was presented over a realistic background than a featureless background while females were more socially attracted to a virtual human with a less realistic featureless background. The results further revealed that users felt the virtual human was a compassionate partner when they interacted with the virtual human over multiple calls, rather than just a single call.
115.
Nolin, Pierre; Stipanicic, Annie; Henry, Mylène; Lachapelle, Yves; Lussier-Desrochers, Dany; Rizzo, Albert “Skip”; Allain, Philippe
ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT: A virtual reality tool for assessing attention and inhibition in children and adolescents Journal Article
In: Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 59, pp. 327–333, 2016, ISSN: 07475632.
@article{nolin_clinicavr_2016,
title = {ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT: A virtual reality tool for assessing attention and inhibition in children and adolescents},
author = {Pierre Nolin and Annie Stipanicic and Mylène Henry and Yves Lachapelle and Dany Lussier-Desrochers and Albert “Skip” Rizzo and Philippe Allain},
url = {http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0747563216300759},
doi = {10.1016/j.chb.2016.02.023},
issn = {07475632},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-01},
journal = {Computers in Human Behavior},
volume = {59},
pages = {327–333},
abstract = {Having garnered interest both in clinic and research areas, the Virtual Classroom (Rizzo et al., 2000) assesses children's attention in a virtual context. The Digital MediaWorks team (www.dmw.ca) has evolved the original basic classroom concept over a number of iterations to form the ClinicaVR Suite containing the Classroom-CPT as one of its components. The present study has three aims: investigate certain validity and reliability aspects of the tool; examine the relationship between performance in the virtual test and the attendant sense of presence and cybersickness experienced by participants; assess potential effects of gender and age on performance in the test. The study was conducted with 102 children and adolescents from Grade 2 to Grade 10. All participants were enrolled in a regular school program. Results support both concurrent and construct validity as well as temporal stability of ClinicaVR: Classroom-Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Gender exerted no effect on performance, while age did. The test did not cause much cybersickness. We recommend ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT as an assessment tool for selective and sustained attention, and inhibition, in clinic and research domains.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Having garnered interest both in clinic and research areas, the Virtual Classroom (Rizzo et al., 2000) assesses children's attention in a virtual context. The Digital MediaWorks team (www.dmw.ca) has evolved the original basic classroom concept over a number of iterations to form the ClinicaVR Suite containing the Classroom-CPT as one of its components. The present study has three aims: investigate certain validity and reliability aspects of the tool; examine the relationship between performance in the virtual test and the attendant sense of presence and cybersickness experienced by participants; assess potential effects of gender and age on performance in the test. The study was conducted with 102 children and adolescents from Grade 2 to Grade 10. All participants were enrolled in a regular school program. Results support both concurrent and construct validity as well as temporal stability of ClinicaVR: Classroom-Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Gender exerted no effect on performance, while age did. The test did not cause much cybersickness. We recommend ClinicaVR: Classroom-CPT as an assessment tool for selective and sustained attention, and inhibition, in clinic and research domains.
116.
Mühlberger, Andreas; Jekel, K.; Probst, Thomas; Schecklmann, Martin; Conzelmann, A.; Andreatta, M.; Rizzo, A. A.; Pauli, P.; Romanos, M.
The Influence of Methylphenidate on Hyperactivity and Attention Deficits in Children With ADHD: A Virtual Classroom Test Journal Article
In: Journal of attention disorders, 2016.
@article{muhlberger_influence_2016,
title = {The Influence of Methylphenidate on Hyperactivity and Attention Deficits in Children With ADHD: A Virtual Classroom Test},
author = {Andreas Mühlberger and K. Jekel and Thomas Probst and Martin Schecklmann and A. Conzelmann and M. Andreatta and A. A. Rizzo and P. Pauli and M. Romanos},
url = {http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054716647480},
doi = {10.1177/1087054716647480},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-05-01},
journal = {Journal of attention disorders},
abstract = {This study compares the performance in a continuous performance test within a virtual reality classroom (CPT-VRC) between medicated children with ADHD, unmedicated children with ADHD, and healthy children. Method:N = 94 children with ADHD (n = 26 of them received methylphenidate and n = 68 were unmedicated) and n = 34 healthy children performed the CPT-VRC. Omission errors, reaction time/variability, commission errors, and body movements were assessed. Furthermore, ADHD questionnaires were administered and compared with the CPT-VRC measures. Results: The unmedicated ADHD group exhibited more omission errors and showed slower reaction times than the healthy group. Reaction time variability was higher in the unmedicated ADHD group compared with both the healthy and the medicated ADHD group. Omission errors and reaction time variability were associated with inattentiveness ratings of experimenters. Head movements were correlated with hyperactivity ratings of parents and experimenters. Conclusion: Virtual reality is a promising technology to assess ADHD symptoms in an ecologically valid environment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study compares the performance in a continuous performance test within a virtual reality classroom (CPT-VRC) between medicated children with ADHD, unmedicated children with ADHD, and healthy children. Method:N = 94 children with ADHD (n = 26 of them received methylphenidate and n = 68 were unmedicated) and n = 34 healthy children performed the CPT-VRC. Omission errors, reaction time/variability, commission errors, and body movements were assessed. Furthermore, ADHD questionnaires were administered and compared with the CPT-VRC measures. Results: The unmedicated ADHD group exhibited more omission errors and showed slower reaction times than the healthy group. Reaction time variability was higher in the unmedicated ADHD group compared with both the healthy and the medicated ADHD group. Omission errors and reaction time variability were associated with inattentiveness ratings of experimenters. Head movements were correlated with hyperactivity ratings of parents and experimenters. Conclusion: Virtual reality is a promising technology to assess ADHD symptoms in an ecologically valid environment.
117.
TALBOT, Thomas B.; KALISCH, Nicolai; CHRISTOFFERSEN, Kelly; LUCAS, Gale; FORBELL, Eric
Natural Language Understanding Performance & Use Considerations in Virtual Medical Encounters. Journal Article
In: Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 22: NextMed/MMVR22, vol. 220, pp. 407–413, 2016.
@article{talbot_natural_2016,
title = {Natural Language Understanding Performance & Use Considerations in Virtual Medical Encounters.},
author = {Thomas B. TALBOT and Nicolai KALISCH and Kelly CHRISTOFFERSEN and Gale LUCAS and Eric FORBELL},
url = {http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sLgtDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA407&dq=%22through+regular+web+browsers+and+is+capable+of+multiple+types+of%22+%22practice+targeting+diagnostic+interviews.+A+natural+language+interview%22+%22narrative+statement+based+upon+dialog+context.+The+dialog+manager%27s%22+&ots=Ej8L8hxLlb&sig=GMnqEb5n7CB9x1lWE4gfe5_4n8o},
doi = {10.3233/978-1-61499-625-5-407},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
journal = {Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 22: NextMed/MMVR22},
volume = {220},
pages = {407–413},
abstract = {A virtual standardized patient (VSP) prototype was tested for natural language understanding (NLU) performance. The conversational VSP was evaluated in a controlled 61 subject study over four repetitions of a patient case. The prototype achieved more than 92% appropriate response rate from naïve users on their first attempt and results were stable by their fourth case repetition. This level of performance exceeds prior efforts and is at a level comparable of accuracy as seen in human conversational patient training, with caveats. This level of performance was possible due to the use of a unified medical taxonomy underpinning that allows virtual patient language training to be applied to all cases in our system as opposed to benefiting a single patient case.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A virtual standardized patient (VSP) prototype was tested for natural language understanding (NLU) performance. The conversational VSP was evaluated in a controlled 61 subject study over four repetitions of a patient case. The prototype achieved more than 92% appropriate response rate from naïve users on their first attempt and results were stable by their fourth case repetition. This level of performance exceeds prior efforts and is at a level comparable of accuracy as seen in human conversational patient training, with caveats. This level of performance was possible due to the use of a unified medical taxonomy underpinning that allows virtual patient language training to be applied to all cases in our system as opposed to benefiting a single patient case.
118.
RIZZO, Albert; LUCAS, Gale; GRATCH, Jonathan; STRATOU, Giota; MORENCY, Louis-Philippe; CHAVEZ, Kenneth; SHILLING, Russ; SCHERER, Stefan
Automatic Behavior Analysis During a Clinical Interview with a Virtual Human. Journal Article
In: Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 22: NextMed/MMVR22, vol. 220, pp. 316–322, 2016.
@article{rizzo_automatic_2016,
title = {Automatic Behavior Analysis During a Clinical Interview with a Virtual Human.},
author = {Albert RIZZO and Gale LUCAS and Jonathan GRATCH and Giota STRATOU and Louis-Philippe MORENCY and Kenneth CHAVEZ and Russ SHILLING and Stefan SCHERER},
url = {http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sLgtDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA316&dq=%22captured+across+a+20+minute+interview.+Results+from+of+sample+of+service%22+%22technology+for+clinical+purposes.+Recent+shifts+in+the+social+and%22+%22needed+to+create+VH+systems+is+now+driving+application+development+across%22+&ots=Ej8M4iuPfb&sig=Ad6Z3DPSwN3qA2gMDKWPe1YTPhg},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
journal = {Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 22: NextMed/MMVR22},
volume = {220},
pages = {316–322},
abstract = {SimSensei is a Virtual Human (VH) interviewing platform that uses off-the-shelf sensors (i.e., webcams, Microsoft Kinect and a microphone) to capture and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the VH system. The system was specifically designed for clinical interviewing and health care support by providing a face-to-face interaction between a user and a VH that can automatically react to the inferred state of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from the user’s facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human-to-human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer user state from signals generated from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user and to quantify user state from the data captured across a 20 minute interview. Results from of sample of service members (SMs) who were interviewed before and after a deployment to Afghanistan indicate that SMs reveal more PTSD symptoms to the VH than they report on the Post Deployment Health Assessment. Pre/Post deployment facial expression analysis indicated more sad expressions and few happy expressions at post deployment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
SimSensei is a Virtual Human (VH) interviewing platform that uses off-the-shelf sensors (i.e., webcams, Microsoft Kinect and a microphone) to capture and interpret real-time audiovisual behavioral signals from users interacting with the VH system. The system was specifically designed for clinical interviewing and health care support by providing a face-to-face interaction between a user and a VH that can automatically react to the inferred state of the user through analysis of behavioral signals gleaned from the user’s facial expressions, body gestures and vocal parameters. Akin to how non-verbal behavioral signals have an impact on human-to-human interaction and communication, SimSensei aims to capture and infer user state from signals generated from user non-verbal communication to improve engagement between a VH and a user and to quantify user state from the data captured across a 20 minute interview. Results from of sample of service members (SMs) who were interviewed before and after a deployment to Afghanistan indicate that SMs reveal more PTSD symptoms to the VH than they report on the Post Deployment Health Assessment. Pre/Post deployment facial expression analysis indicated more sad expressions and few happy expressions at post deployment.
119.
Krum, David M.; Kang, Sin-Hwa; Phan, Thai; Dukes, Lauren Cairco; Bolas, Mark
Head Mounted Projection for Enhanced Gaze in Social Interactions Proceedings Article
In: 2016 IEEE Virtual Reality (VR), pp. 209–210, IEEE, Greenville, SC, 2016.
@inproceedings{krum_head_2016,
title = {Head Mounted Projection for Enhanced Gaze in Social Interactions},
author = {David M. Krum and Sin-Hwa Kang and Thai Phan and Lauren Cairco Dukes and Mark Bolas},
url = {http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=7504727},
doi = {10.1109/VR.2016.7504727},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-03-01},
booktitle = {2016 IEEE Virtual Reality (VR)},
pages = {209–210},
publisher = {IEEE},
address = {Greenville, SC},
abstract = {Projected displays can present life-sized imagery of a virtual human character that can be seen by multiple observers. However, typical projected displays can only render that virtual human from a single viewpoint, regardless of whether head tracking is employed. This results in the virtual human being rendered from an incorrect perspective for most individuals. This could cause perceptual miscues, such as the “Mona Lisa” effect, causing the virtual human to appear as if it is simultaneously gazing and pointing at all observers regardless of their location. This may be detrimental to training scenarios in which all trainees must accurately assess where the virtual human is looking or pointing a weapon. We discuss our investigations into the presentation of eye gaze using REFLCT, a previously introduced head mounted projective display. REFLCT uses head tracked, head mounted projectors and retroreflective screens to present personalized, perspective correct imagery to multiple users without the occlusion of a traditional head mounted display. We examined how head mounted projection for enhanced presentation of eye gaze might facilitate or otherwise affect social interactions during a multi-person guessing game of “Twenty Questions.”},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Projected displays can present life-sized imagery of a virtual human character that can be seen by multiple observers. However, typical projected displays can only render that virtual human from a single viewpoint, regardless of whether head tracking is employed. This results in the virtual human being rendered from an incorrect perspective for most individuals. This could cause perceptual miscues, such as the “Mona Lisa” effect, causing the virtual human to appear as if it is simultaneously gazing and pointing at all observers regardless of their location. This may be detrimental to training scenarios in which all trainees must accurately assess where the virtual human is looking or pointing a weapon. We discuss our investigations into the presentation of eye gaze using REFLCT, a previously introduced head mounted projective display. REFLCT uses head tracked, head mounted projectors and retroreflective screens to present personalized, perspective correct imagery to multiple users without the occlusion of a traditional head mounted display. We examined how head mounted projection for enhanced presentation of eye gaze might facilitate or otherwise affect social interactions during a multi-person guessing game of “Twenty Questions.”
120.
Cukor, Judith; Gerardi, Maryrose; Alley, Stephanie; Reist, Christopher; Roy, Michael; Rothbaum, Barbara O.; Difede, JoAnn; Rizzo, Albert
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD Book Section
In: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Related Diseases in Combat Veterans, pp. 69–83, Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland, 2016, ISBN: 978-3-319-22984-3 978-3-319-22985-0.
@incollection{cukor_virtual_2016,
title = {Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD},
author = {Judith Cukor and Maryrose Gerardi and Stephanie Alley and Christopher Reist and Michael Roy and Barbara O. Rothbaum and JoAnn Difede and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-22985-0_7},
isbn = {978-3-319-22984-3 978-3-319-22985-0},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
booktitle = {Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Related Diseases in Combat Veterans},
pages = {69–83},
publisher = {Springer International Publishing},
address = {Cham, Switzerland},
abstract = {War is perhaps one of the most challenging situations that a human being can experience. The physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological demands of a combat environment place enormous stress on even the best-prepared military personnel. Numerous reports indicate that the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) military personnel is significant. This has served to motivate research on how to better develop and disseminate evidence-based treatments for PTSD that leverage the unique features available with virtual reality (VR) technology. VR-delivered exposure therapy for PTSD is currently being used to treat combatand terrorist attack-related PTSD with initial reports of positive outcomes. This chapter presents a brief overview and rationale for the use of VR exposure for combat-related PTSD and describes the Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan exposure therapy system. This includes a short review of the previous literature, a description of the system components and the treatment protocol, and a case presentation. VR offers an alternative format for delivering exposure-based therapies for PTSD that may appeal to certain service members and veterans who grew up “digital” and who might be inclined to seek treatment in this fashion.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
War is perhaps one of the most challenging situations that a human being can experience. The physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological demands of a combat environment place enormous stress on even the best-prepared military personnel. Numerous reports indicate that the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) military personnel is significant. This has served to motivate research on how to better develop and disseminate evidence-based treatments for PTSD that leverage the unique features available with virtual reality (VR) technology. VR-delivered exposure therapy for PTSD is currently being used to treat combatand terrorist attack-related PTSD with initial reports of positive outcomes. This chapter presents a brief overview and rationale for the use of VR exposure for combat-related PTSD and describes the Virtual Iraq/Afghanistan exposure therapy system. This includes a short review of the previous literature, a description of the system components and the treatment protocol, and a case presentation. VR offers an alternative format for delivering exposure-based therapies for PTSD that may appeal to certain service members and veterans who grew up “digital” and who might be inclined to seek treatment in this fashion.
Filter
2008
Parsons, Thomas D.; Kenny, Patrick G.; Ntuen, Celestine A.; Pataki, Caroly; Pato, Michele; Rizzo, Albert; George, Cheryl St.; Sugar, Jeff
Objective Structured Clinical Interview Training using a Virtual Human Patient Journal Article
In: Medicine Meets Virtual Reality, vol. 16, 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_objective_2008,
title = {Objective Structured Clinical Interview Training using a Virtual Human Patient},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Patrick G. Kenny and Celestine A. Ntuen and Caroly Pataki and Michele Pato and Albert Rizzo and Cheryl St. George and Jeff Sugar},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Objective%20Structured%20Clinical%20Interview%20Training%20using%20a%20Virtual%20Human%20Patient.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {Medicine Meets Virtual Reality},
volume = {16},
abstract = {Effective interview skills are a core competency for psychiatry residents and developing psychotherapists. Although schools commonly make use of standardized patients to teach interview skills, the diversity of the scenarios standardized patients can characterize is limited by availability of human actors. Further, there is the economic concern related to the time and money needed to train standardized patients. Perhaps most damaging is the "standardization" of standardized patients–will they in fact consistently proffer psychometrically reliable and valid interactions with the training clinicians. Virtual Human Agent (VHA) technology has evolved to a point where researchers may begin developing mental health applications that make use of virtual reality patients. The work presented here is a preliminary attempt at what we believe to be a large application area. Herein we describe an ongoing study of our virtual patients (VP). We present an approach that allows novice mental health clinicians to conduct an interview with a virtual character that emulates an adolescent male with conduct disorder. This study illustrates the ways in which a variety of core research components developed at the University of Southern California facilitates the rapid development of mental health applications.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Effective interview skills are a core competency for psychiatry residents and developing psychotherapists. Although schools commonly make use of standardized patients to teach interview skills, the diversity of the scenarios standardized patients can characterize is limited by availability of human actors. Further, there is the economic concern related to the time and money needed to train standardized patients. Perhaps most damaging is the "standardization" of standardized patients–will they in fact consistently proffer psychometrically reliable and valid interactions with the training clinicians. Virtual Human Agent (VHA) technology has evolved to a point where researchers may begin developing mental health applications that make use of virtual reality patients. The work presented here is a preliminary attempt at what we believe to be a large application area. Herein we describe an ongoing study of our virtual patients (VP). We present an approach that allows novice mental health clinicians to conduct an interview with a virtual character that emulates an adolescent male with conduct disorder. This study illustrates the ways in which a variety of core research components developed at the University of Southern California facilitates the rapid development of mental health applications.
Kenny, Patrick G.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Reger, Greg; Pataki, Caroly; Pato, Michele; Sugar, Jeff; George, Cheryl St.
Virtual Patients for Future Leaders Proceedings Article
In: Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@inproceedings{kenny_virtual_2008,
title = {Virtual Patients for Future Leaders},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Thomas D. Parsons and Greg Reger and Caroly Pataki and Michele Pato and Jeff Sugar and Cheryl St. George},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Virtual%20Patients%20for%20Future%20Leaders.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
booktitle = {Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)},
abstract = {War is one of the most challenging environments that persons may experience. The cognitive, emotional and physical demands of combat environments place enormous stress on even the best-prepared military personnel. The OIF/OEF combat theatre, with its ubiquitous battlefronts, ambiguous enemy identification, and repeated extended deployments have resulted in a significant number of returning American SMs with PTSD and other mental disorders. As a result, military leaders and clinicians in training need to develop clinical skills for identifying potential stress related disorders. Although traditional approaches make use of standard clinic patients to teach, there is limited ability to evaluate skills in a systematic fashion. There is the concern related to the time and money needed to train those involved in the role play for standardized patients. Perhaps most difficult is the "standardization" of standardized patients – will they in fact consistently proffer psychometrically reliable and valid interactions with the training clinicians. Virtual Human technology has evolved to a point where researchers are developing mental health applications that make use of virtual standardized patients. These virtual patients are embodied characters that have the ability to recognize speech, respond to questions and generate verbal and non-verbal behavior. We have conducted several pilot studies with clinical residents at USC’s Keck School of Medicine and will describe the ongoing study and methodology of our virtual patient approach that allows novice mental health clinicians to conduct an interview with a character emulating PTSD. The paper will summarize the data from the studies and discuss the preliminary standardization of the interactions with the virtual patients. The underlying virtual patient technology will be described. Finally future work will be discussed and recommendations related to the ways in which these characters may enable future leaders to learn, train and win.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
War is one of the most challenging environments that persons may experience. The cognitive, emotional and physical demands of combat environments place enormous stress on even the best-prepared military personnel. The OIF/OEF combat theatre, with its ubiquitous battlefronts, ambiguous enemy identification, and repeated extended deployments have resulted in a significant number of returning American SMs with PTSD and other mental disorders. As a result, military leaders and clinicians in training need to develop clinical skills for identifying potential stress related disorders. Although traditional approaches make use of standard clinic patients to teach, there is limited ability to evaluate skills in a systematic fashion. There is the concern related to the time and money needed to train those involved in the role play for standardized patients. Perhaps most difficult is the "standardization" of standardized patients – will they in fact consistently proffer psychometrically reliable and valid interactions with the training clinicians. Virtual Human technology has evolved to a point where researchers are developing mental health applications that make use of virtual standardized patients. These virtual patients are embodied characters that have the ability to recognize speech, respond to questions and generate verbal and non-verbal behavior. We have conducted several pilot studies with clinical residents at USC’s Keck School of Medicine and will describe the ongoing study and methodology of our virtual patient approach that allows novice mental health clinicians to conduct an interview with a character emulating PTSD. The paper will summarize the data from the studies and discuss the preliminary standardization of the interactions with the virtual patients. The underlying virtual patient technology will be described. Finally future work will be discussed and recommendations related to the ways in which these characters may enable future leaders to learn, train and win.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert
Initial Validation of a Virtual Environment for Assessment of Memory Functioning: Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 16–24, 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_initial_2008,
title = {Initial Validation of a Virtual Environment for Assessment of Memory Functioning: Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Initial%20Validation%20of%20a%20Virtual%20Environment%20for%20Assessment%20of%20Memory%20Functioning-%20Virtual%20Reality%20Cognitive%20Performance%20Assessment%20Test.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {16–24},
abstract = {The current project is an initial attempt at validating the Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT), a virtual environment–based measure of learning and memory. To examine convergent and discriminant validity, a multitrait–multimethod matrix was used in which we hypothesized that the VRCPAT’s total learning and memory scores would correlate with other neuropsychological measures involving learning and memory but not with measures involving potential confounds (i.e., executive functions; attention; processing speed; and verbal fluency). Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 15-minute VRCPAT battery and a 1.5-hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a sample of 30 healthy adults, between the ages of 21 and 36, that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results supported both convergent and discriminant validity. That is, findings suggest that the VRCPAT measures a capacity that is (a) consistent with that assessed by traditional paper-and-pencil measures involving learning and memory and (b) inconsistent with that assessed by traditional paper-and-pencil measures assessing neurocognitive domains traditionally assumed to be other than learning and memory. We conclude that the VRCPAT is a valid test that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study memory function within an ecologically valid environment.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The current project is an initial attempt at validating the Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT), a virtual environment–based measure of learning and memory. To examine convergent and discriminant validity, a multitrait–multimethod matrix was used in which we hypothesized that the VRCPAT’s total learning and memory scores would correlate with other neuropsychological measures involving learning and memory but not with measures involving potential confounds (i.e., executive functions; attention; processing speed; and verbal fluency). Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 15-minute VRCPAT battery and a 1.5-hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a sample of 30 healthy adults, between the ages of 21 and 36, that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results supported both convergent and discriminant validity. That is, findings suggest that the VRCPAT measures a capacity that is (a) consistent with that assessed by traditional paper-and-pencil measures involving learning and memory and (b) inconsistent with that assessed by traditional paper-and-pencil measures assessing neurocognitive domains traditionally assumed to be other than learning and memory. We conclude that the VRCPAT is a valid test that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study memory function within an ecologically valid environment.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert
Affective Outcomes of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Specific Phobias: A meta-analysis Journal Article
In: Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, vol. 39, pp. 250–261, 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_affective_2008,
title = {Affective Outcomes of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Specific Phobias: A meta-analysis},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Affective%20outcomes%20of%20virtual%20reality%20exposure%20therapy%20for%20anxiety%20and%20specific%20phobias-%20A%20meta-analysis.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry},
volume = {39},
pages = {250–261},
abstract = {Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an increasingly common treatment for anxiety and specific phobias. Lacking is a quantitative meta-analysis that enhances understanding of the variability and clinical significance of anxiety reduction outcomes after VRET. Searches of electronic databases yielded 52 studies, and of these, 21 studies (300 subjects) met inclusion criteria. Although meta-analysis revealed large declines in anxiety symptoms following VRET, moderator analyses were limited due to inconsistent reporting in the VRET literature. This highlights the need for future research studies that report uniform and detailed information regarding presence, immersion, anxiety and/or phobia duration, and demographics.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an increasingly common treatment for anxiety and specific phobias. Lacking is a quantitative meta-analysis that enhances understanding of the variability and clinical significance of anxiety reduction outcomes after VRET. Searches of electronic databases yielded 52 studies, and of these, 21 studies (300 subjects) met inclusion criteria. Although meta-analysis revealed large declines in anxiety symptoms following VRET, moderator analyses were limited due to inconsistent reporting in the VRET literature. This highlights the need for future research studies that report uniform and detailed information regarding presence, immersion, anxiety and/or phobia duration, and demographics.
Kenny, Patrick G.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Gratch, Jonathan; Rizzo, Albert
Evaluation of Justina: A Virtual Patient with PTSD Proceedings Article
In: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pp. 394–408, 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{kenny_evaluation_2008,
title = {Evaluation of Justina: A Virtual Patient with PTSD},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Thomas D. Parsons and Jonathan Gratch and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Evaluation%20of%20Justina-%20A%20Virtual%20Patient%20with%20PTSD.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
booktitle = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
pages = {394–408},
abstract = {Recent research has established the potential for virtual characters to act as virtual standardized patients VP for the assessment and training of novice clinicians. We hypothesize that the responses of a VP simulating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an adolescent female could elicit a number of diagnostic mental health specific questions (from novice clinicians) that are necessary for differential diagnosis of the condition. Composites were developed to reflect the relation between novice clinician questions and VP responses. The primary goal in this study was evaluative: can a VP generate responses that elicit user questions relevant for PTSD categorization? A secondary goal was to investigate the impact of psychological variables upon the resulting VP Question/Response composites and the overall believability of the system.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Recent research has established the potential for virtual characters to act as virtual standardized patients VP for the assessment and training of novice clinicians. We hypothesize that the responses of a VP simulating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an adolescent female could elicit a number of diagnostic mental health specific questions (from novice clinicians) that are necessary for differential diagnosis of the condition. Composites were developed to reflect the relation between novice clinician questions and VP responses. The primary goal in this study was evaluative: can a VP generate responses that elicit user questions relevant for PTSD categorization? A secondary goal was to investigate the impact of psychological variables upon the resulting VP Question/Response composites and the overall believability of the system.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert
Neuropsychological Assessment of Attentional Processing using Virtual Reality Journal Article
In: Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 23–28, 2008.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_neuropsychological_2008-1,
title = {Neuropsychological Assessment of Attentional Processing using Virtual Reality},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Neuropsychological%20Assessment%20of%20Attentional%20Processing%20using%20Virtual%20Reality.pdf},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {23–28},
abstract = {Attention processes are the gateway to information acquisition and serve as a necessary foundation for higher-level cognitive functioning. The Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT) focuses upon refined analysis of neurocognitive testing using a virtual environment to assess attentional processing and recall of targets delivered within the context of a virtual city and a virtual driving simulation. The 15 minute VRCPAT Attention Module and a 1.5 hour neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a sample of 12 healthy adults, between the ages of 21 and 36, that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. No subjects had history of psychiatric or neurologic conditions. To examine scenario differences, one-way ANOVAs were performed, comparing attentional performance in simple stimulus presentations (Mean = 43.63; SD = 8.91) versus complex stimulus presentations (Mean = 34.63; SD = 6.86). The results indicated that the increase in stimulus complexity caused a significant decrease in performance on attentional tasks (F = 5.12; p = 0.04). To examine scenario differences, we compared attentional performance in low intensity (Mean = 40.01; SD = 4.06) versus high intensity (Mean = 9.25; SD = 3.70) presentations. The results indicated that the increase in stimulus intensity caused a significant decrease in performance on attentional tasks (t = 9.83; p = 0.01). Findings suggest that the increase in stimulus complexity and stimulus intensity within a virtual environment can manipulate performance on attentional tasks.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Attention processes are the gateway to information acquisition and serve as a necessary foundation for higher-level cognitive functioning. The Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT) focuses upon refined analysis of neurocognitive testing using a virtual environment to assess attentional processing and recall of targets delivered within the context of a virtual city and a virtual driving simulation. The 15 minute VRCPAT Attention Module and a 1.5 hour neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a sample of 12 healthy adults, between the ages of 21 and 36, that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. No subjects had history of psychiatric or neurologic conditions. To examine scenario differences, one-way ANOVAs were performed, comparing attentional performance in simple stimulus presentations (Mean = 43.63; SD = 8.91) versus complex stimulus presentations (Mean = 34.63; SD = 6.86). The results indicated that the increase in stimulus complexity caused a significant decrease in performance on attentional tasks (F = 5.12; p = 0.04). To examine scenario differences, we compared attentional performance in low intensity (Mean = 40.01; SD = 4.06) versus high intensity (Mean = 9.25; SD = 3.70) presentations. The results indicated that the increase in stimulus intensity caused a significant decrease in performance on attentional tasks (t = 9.83; p = 0.01). Findings suggest that the increase in stimulus complexity and stimulus intensity within a virtual environment can manipulate performance on attentional tasks.
2007
Kenny, Patrick G.; Hartholt, Arno; Gratch, Jonathan; Swartout, William; Traum, David; Marsella, Stacy C.; Piepol, Diane
Building Interactive Virtual Humans for Training Environments Proceedings Article
In: Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), Orlando, FL, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{kenny_building_2007,
title = {Building Interactive Virtual Humans for Training Environments},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Arno Hartholt and Jonathan Gratch and William Swartout and David Traum and Stacy C. Marsella and Diane Piepol},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Building%20Interactive%20Virtual%20Humans%20for%20Training%20Environments.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-11-01},
booktitle = {Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)},
address = {Orlando, FL},
abstract = {There is a great need in the Joint Forces to have human to human interpersonal training for skills such as negotiation, leadership, interviewing and cultural training. Virtual environments can be incredible training tools if used properly and used for the correct training application. Virtual environments have already been very successful in training Warfighters how to operate vehicles and weapons systems. At the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) we have been exploring a new question: can virtual environments be used to train Warfighters in interpersonal skills such as negotiation, tactical questioning and leadership that are so critical for success in the contemporary operating environment? Using embodied conversational agents to create this type of training system has been one of the goals of the Virtual Humans project at the institute. ICT has a great deal of experience building complex, integrated and immersive training systems that address the human factor needs for training experiences. This paper will address the research, technology and value of developing virtual humans for training environments. This research includes speech recognition, natural language understanding & generation, dialogue management, cognitive agents, emotion modeling, question response managers, speech generation and non-verbal behavior. Also addressed will be the diverse set of training environments we have developed for the system, from single computer laptops to multi-computer immersive displays to real and virtual integrated environments. This paper will also discuss the problems, issues and solutions we encountered while building these systems. The paper will recount subject testing we have performed in these environments and results we have obtained from users. Finally the future of this type of Virtual Humans technology and training applications will be discussed.},
keywords = {MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
There is a great need in the Joint Forces to have human to human interpersonal training for skills such as negotiation, leadership, interviewing and cultural training. Virtual environments can be incredible training tools if used properly and used for the correct training application. Virtual environments have already been very successful in training Warfighters how to operate vehicles and weapons systems. At the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) we have been exploring a new question: can virtual environments be used to train Warfighters in interpersonal skills such as negotiation, tactical questioning and leadership that are so critical for success in the contemporary operating environment? Using embodied conversational agents to create this type of training system has been one of the goals of the Virtual Humans project at the institute. ICT has a great deal of experience building complex, integrated and immersive training systems that address the human factor needs for training experiences. This paper will address the research, technology and value of developing virtual humans for training environments. This research includes speech recognition, natural language understanding & generation, dialogue management, cognitive agents, emotion modeling, question response managers, speech generation and non-verbal behavior. Also addressed will be the diverse set of training environments we have developed for the system, from single computer laptops to multi-computer immersive displays to real and virtual integrated environments. This paper will also discuss the problems, issues and solutions we encountered while building these systems. The paper will recount subject testing we have performed in these environments and results we have obtained from users. Finally the future of this type of Virtual Humans technology and training applications will be discussed.
Kenny, Patrick G.; Hartholt, Arno; Gratch, Jonathan; Traum, David; Marsella, Stacy C.; Swartout, William
The More the Merrier: Multi-Party Negotiation with Virtual Humans Proceedings Article
In: AAAI Conference On Artificial Intelligence; Proceedings of the 22nd National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, pp. 1970–1971, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{kenny_more_2007,
title = {The More the Merrier: Multi-Party Negotiation with Virtual Humans},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Arno Hartholt and Jonathan Gratch and David Traum and Stacy C. Marsella and William Swartout},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20More%20the%20Merrier-%20Multi-Party%20Negotiation%20with%20Virtual%20Humans.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-07-01},
booktitle = {AAAI Conference On Artificial Intelligence; Proceedings of the 22nd National Conference on Artificial Intelligence},
volume = {2},
pages = {1970–1971},
abstract = {The goal of the Virtual Humans Project at the University of Southern California�s Institute for Creative Technologies is to enrich virtual training environments with virtual humans � autonomous agents that support face-to-face interaction with trainees in a variety of roles � through bringing together many different areas of research including speech recognition, natural language understanding, dialogue management, cognitive modeling, emotion modeling, non-verbal behavior and speech and knowledge management. The demo at AAAI will focus on our work using virtual humans to train negotiation skills. Conference attendees will negotiate with a virtual human doctor and elder to try to move a clinic out of harm�s way in single and multi-party negotiation scenarios using the latest iteration of our Virtual Humans framework. The user will use natural speech to talk to the embodied agents, who will respond in accordance with their internal task model and state. The characters will carry out a multi-party dialogue with verbal and non-verbal behavior. A video of a single-party version of the scenario was shown at AAAI-06. This new interactive demo introduces several new features, including multi-party negotiation, dynamically generated non-verbal behavior and a central ontology.},
keywords = {MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The goal of the Virtual Humans Project at the University of Southern California�s Institute for Creative Technologies is to enrich virtual training environments with virtual humans � autonomous agents that support face-to-face interaction with trainees in a variety of roles � through bringing together many different areas of research including speech recognition, natural language understanding, dialogue management, cognitive modeling, emotion modeling, non-verbal behavior and speech and knowledge management. The demo at AAAI will focus on our work using virtual humans to train negotiation skills. Conference attendees will negotiate with a virtual human doctor and elder to try to move a clinic out of harm�s way in single and multi-party negotiation scenarios using the latest iteration of our Virtual Humans framework. The user will use natural speech to talk to the embodied agents, who will respond in accordance with their internal task model and state. The characters will carry out a multi-party dialogue with verbal and non-verbal behavior. A video of a single-party version of the scenario was shown at AAAI-06. This new interactive demo introduces several new features, including multi-party negotiation, dynamically generated non-verbal behavior and a central ontology.
Kenny, Patrick G.; Rizzo, Albert; Parsons, Thomas D.; Gratch, Jonathan; Swartout, William
A Virtual Human Agent for Training Novice Therapist Clinical Interviewing Skills Proceedings Article
In: Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine, Washington D.C., 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{kenny_virtual_2007,
title = {A Virtual Human Agent for Training Novice Therapist Clinical Interviewing Skills},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Albert Rizzo and Thomas D. Parsons and Jonathan Gratch and William Swartout},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20Virtual%20Human%20Agent%20for%20Training%20Novice%20Therapist%20Clinical%20Interviewing%20Skills.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-06-01},
booktitle = {Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine},
address = {Washington D.C.},
abstract = {Virtual Reality (VR) is rapidly evolving into a pragmatically usable technology for mental health (MH) applications. Over the last five years, the technology for creating virtual humans (VHs) has evolved to the point where they are no longer regarded as simple background characters, but rather can serve a functional interactional role. Our current project involves the construction of a natural language-capable virtual client named “Justin,” which derived from a military negotiation train- ing tool into a virtual therapy patient for training novice clinicians the art of clinical interviewing with a resistant client. Justin portrays a 16-year old male with a conduct disorder who is being forced to par- ticipate in therapy by his family. The system uses a sophisticated natural language interface that al- lows novice clinicians to practice asking interview questions in an effort to create a positive therapeu- tic alliance with this very challenging virtual client. Herein we proffer a description of our iterative de- sign process and outline our long term vision.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Virtual Reality (VR) is rapidly evolving into a pragmatically usable technology for mental health (MH) applications. Over the last five years, the technology for creating virtual humans (VHs) has evolved to the point where they are no longer regarded as simple background characters, but rather can serve a functional interactional role. Our current project involves the construction of a natural language-capable virtual client named “Justin,” which derived from a military negotiation train- ing tool into a virtual therapy patient for training novice clinicians the art of clinical interviewing with a resistant client. Justin portrays a 16-year old male with a conduct disorder who is being forced to par- ticipate in therapy by his family. The system uses a sophisticated natural language interface that al- lows novice clinicians to practice asking interview questions in an effort to create a positive therapeu- tic alliance with this very challenging virtual client. Herein we proffer a description of our iterative de- sign process and outline our long term vision.
Crooks, Valerie C.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Buckwalter, John Galen
Validation of the Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) instrument: a computerized telephonic measure Journal Article
In: BMC Neurology, vol. 7, no. 10, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{crooks_validation_2007,
title = {Validation of the Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) instrument: a computerized telephonic measure},
author = {Valerie C. Crooks and Thomas D. Parsons and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Validation%20of%20the%20Cognitive%20Assessment%20of%20Later%20Life%20Status%20(CALLS)%20instrument-%20a%20computerized%20telephonic%20measure.pdf},
doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-7-10},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-05-01},
journal = {BMC Neurology},
volume = {7},
number = {10},
abstract = {Background: Brief screening tests have been developed to measure cognitive performance and dementia, yet they measure limited cognitive domains and often lack construct validity. Neuropsychological assessments, while comprehensive, are too costly and time-consuming for epidemiological studies. This study's aim was to develop a psychometrically valid telephone administered test of cognitive function in aging. Methods: Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 30 minute Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) measure and a 2.5 hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 211 participants 65 years and older that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results: Overall Cronbach's coefficient alpha for the CALLS test was 0.81. A principal component analysis of the CALLS tests yielded five components. The CALLS total score was significantly correlated with four neuropsychological assessment components. Older age and having a high school education or less was significantly correlated with lower CALLS total scores. Females scored better overall than males. There were no score differences based on race. Conclusion: The CALLS test is a valid measure that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study cognitive function in large populations.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Brief screening tests have been developed to measure cognitive performance and dementia, yet they measure limited cognitive domains and often lack construct validity. Neuropsychological assessments, while comprehensive, are too costly and time-consuming for epidemiological studies. This study's aim was to develop a psychometrically valid telephone administered test of cognitive function in aging. Methods: Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 30 minute Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) measure and a 2.5 hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 211 participants 65 years and older that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results: Overall Cronbach's coefficient alpha for the CALLS test was 0.81. A principal component analysis of the CALLS tests yielded five components. The CALLS total score was significantly correlated with four neuropsychological assessment components. Older age and having a high school education or less was significantly correlated with lower CALLS total scores. Females scored better overall than males. There were no score differences based on race. Conclusion: The CALLS test is a valid measure that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study cognitive function in large populations.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Nakasujja, Noeline; Wong, Matthew; Musisi, Seggane; Katabira, Elly; Parsons, Thomas D.; Ronald, Allan; Sacktor, Ned
Pattern of neuropsychological performance among HIV positive patients in Uganda Journal Article
In: BMC Neurology, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_pattern_2007,
title = {Pattern of neuropsychological performance among HIV positive patients in Uganda},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Noeline Nakasujja and Matthew Wong and Seggane Musisi and Elly Katabira and Thomas D. Parsons and Allan Ronald and Ned Sacktor},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Pattern%20of%20neuropsychological%20performance%20among%20HIV%20positive%20patients%20in%20Uganda.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-04-01},
journal = {BMC Neurology},
abstract = {Few studies have examined cognitive functioning of HIV positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa. It cannot be assumed that HIV positive patients in Africa exhibit the same declines as patients in high-resource settings, since there are differences that may influence cognitive functioning including nutrition, history of concomitant disease, and varying HIV strains, among other possibilities. Part of the difficulty of specifying abnormalities in neuropsychological functioning among African HIV positive patients is that there are no readily available African normative databases. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the pattern of neuropsychological performance in a sample of HIV positive patients in comparison to HIV negative control subjects in Uganda. Methods: The neuropsychological test scores of 110 HIV positive patients (WHO Stage 2},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Few studies have examined cognitive functioning of HIV positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa. It cannot be assumed that HIV positive patients in Africa exhibit the same declines as patients in high-resource settings, since there are differences that may influence cognitive functioning including nutrition, history of concomitant disease, and varying HIV strains, among other possibilities. Part of the difficulty of specifying abnormalities in neuropsychological functioning among African HIV positive patients is that there are no readily available African normative databases. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the pattern of neuropsychological performance in a sample of HIV positive patients in comparison to HIV negative control subjects in Uganda. Methods: The neuropsychological test scores of 110 HIV positive patients (WHO Stage 2
Yeh, Shih-Ching; Rizzo, Albert; McLaughlin, Margaret; Parsons, Thomas D.
In: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol. 125, pp. 506–511, 2007.
@article{yeh_vr_2007,
title = {VR Enhanced Upper Extremity Motor Training for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Task Design, Clinical Experiment and Visualization on Performance and Progress},
author = {Shih-Ching Yeh and Albert Rizzo and Margaret McLaughlin and Thomas D. Parsons},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/VR%20Enhanced%20Upper%20Extremity%20Motor%20Training%20for%20Post-Stroke%20Rehabilitation-%20Task%20Design,%20Clinical%20Experiment%20and%20Visualization%20on%20Performance%20and%20Progress.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Studies in Health Technology and Informatics},
volume = {125},
pages = {506–511},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Yeh, Shih-Ching; Stewart, Jill; McLaughlin, Margaret; Parsons, Thomas D.; Winstein, Carolee J.; Rizzo, Albert
Evaluation Approach for Post-stroke Rehabilitation Via Virtual Reality Aided Motor Training Proceedings Article
In: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pp. 378–387, 2007, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@inproceedings{yeh_evaluation_2007,
title = {Evaluation Approach for Post-stroke Rehabilitation Via Virtual Reality Aided Motor Training},
author = {Shih-Ching Yeh and Jill Stewart and Margaret McLaughlin and Thomas D. Parsons and Carolee J. Winstein and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Evaluation%20Approach%20for%20Post-stroke%20Rehabilitation%20Via%20Virtual%20Reality%20Aided%20Motor%20Training.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
booktitle = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
pages = {378–387},
address = {2007},
abstract = {This paper introduces an evaluation approach that was applied to clinical data collected from a virtual reality aided motor training program for post-stroke rehabilitation. The goal of the proposed evaluation approach is to diagnose the patient's current status (performance) and detect change in status over time (progression). Three measures, performance time, movement efficiency, and movement speed, were defined to represent kinematic features of reaching. 3-D performance maps and progression maps were generated based on each kinematic measure to visualize a single patient's behavior. The case study revealed the patient's current status as to direction and range of upper extremity reach ability, composed of pitch, yaw and arm length. Further, progression was found and visualized quantitatively over a series of practice sessions.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
This paper introduces an evaluation approach that was applied to clinical data collected from a virtual reality aided motor training program for post-stroke rehabilitation. The goal of the proposed evaluation approach is to diagnose the patient's current status (performance) and detect change in status over time (progression). Three measures, performance time, movement efficiency, and movement speed, were defined to represent kinematic features of reaching. 3-D performance maps and progression maps were generated based on each kinematic measure to visualize a single patient's behavior. The case study revealed the patient's current status as to direction and range of upper extremity reach ability, composed of pitch, yaw and arm length. Further, progression was found and visualized quantitatively over a series of practice sessions.
Kenny, Patrick G.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Gratch, Jonathan; Leuski, Anton; Rizzo, Albert
Virtual Patients for Clinical Therapist Skills Training Proceedings Article
In: Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence; Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA), pp. 197–210, Paris, France, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{kenny_virtual_2007-1,
title = {Virtual Patients for Clinical Therapist Skills Training},
author = {Patrick G. Kenny and Thomas D. Parsons and Jonathan Gratch and Anton Leuski and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Virtual%20Patients%20for%20Clinical%20Therapist%20Skills%20Training.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
booktitle = {Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence; Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA)},
volume = {4722},
pages = {197–210},
address = {Paris, France},
abstract = {Virtual humans offer an exciting and powerful potential for rich interactive experiences. Fully embodied virtual humans are growing in capability, ease, and utility. As a result, they present an opportunity for expanding research into burgeoning virtual patient medical applications. In this paper we consider the ways in which one may go about building and applying virtual human technology to the virtual patient domain. Specifically we aim to show that virtual human technology may be used to help develop the interviewing and diagnostics skills of developing clinicians. Herein we proffer a description of our iterative design process and preliminary results to show that virtual patients may be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy education.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Virtual humans offer an exciting and powerful potential for rich interactive experiences. Fully embodied virtual humans are growing in capability, ease, and utility. As a result, they present an opportunity for expanding research into burgeoning virtual patient medical applications. In this paper we consider the ways in which one may go about building and applying virtual human technology to the virtual patient domain. Specifically we aim to show that virtual human technology may be used to help develop the interviewing and diagnostics skills of developing clinicians. Herein we proffer a description of our iterative design process and preliminary results to show that virtual patients may be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy education.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Bowerly, Todd; Buckwalter, John Galen; Rizzo, Albert
In: Child Neuropsychology, vol. 13, pp. 363–381, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_controlled_2007,
title = {A controlled clinical comparison of attention performance in children with ADHD in a virtual reality classroom compared to standard neuropsychological methods},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Todd Bowerly and John Galen Buckwalter and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20CONTROLLED%20CLINICAL%20COMPARISON%20OF%20ATTENTION%20PERFORMANCE%20IN%20CHILDREN%20WITH%20ADHD%20IN%20A%20VIRTUAL%20REALITY%20CLASSROOM%20COMPARED%20TO%20STANDARD%20NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL%20METHODS.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13825580600943473},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Child Neuropsychology},
volume = {13},
pages = {363–381},
abstract = {In this initial pilot study, a controlled clinical comparison was made of attention performance in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a virtual reality (VR) classroom. Ten boys diagnosed with ADHD and ten normal control boys participated in the study. Groups did not significantly differ in mean age, grade level, ethnicity, or handedness. No participants reported simulator sickness following VR exposure. Children with ADHD exhibited more omission errors, commission errors, and overall body movement than normal control children in the VR classroom. Children with ADHD were more impacted by distraction in the VR classroom. VR classroom measures were correlated with traditional ADHD assessment tools and the flatscreen CPT. Of note, the small sample size incorporated in each group and higher WISC-III scores of normal controls might have some bearing on the overall interpretation of results. These data suggested that the Virtual Classroom had good potential for controlled performance assessment within an ecologically valid environment and appeared to parse out significant effects due to the presence of distraction stimuli.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this initial pilot study, a controlled clinical comparison was made of attention performance in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a virtual reality (VR) classroom. Ten boys diagnosed with ADHD and ten normal control boys participated in the study. Groups did not significantly differ in mean age, grade level, ethnicity, or handedness. No participants reported simulator sickness following VR exposure. Children with ADHD exhibited more omission errors, commission errors, and overall body movement than normal control children in the VR classroom. Children with ADHD were more impacted by distraction in the VR classroom. VR classroom measures were correlated with traditional ADHD assessment tools and the flatscreen CPT. Of note, the small sample size incorporated in each group and higher WISC-III scores of normal controls might have some bearing on the overall interpretation of results. These data suggested that the Virtual Classroom had good potential for controlled performance assessment within an ecologically valid environment and appeared to parse out significant effects due to the presence of distraction stimuli.
Miller, Karen J.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Whybrow, Peter C.; Herle, Katja; Rasgon, Natalie; Herle, Andre; Martinez, Dorothy; Silverman, Dan H.; Bauer, Michael
Verbal Memory Retrieval Deficits Associated With Untreated Hypothyroidism Journal Article
In: Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 132–136, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{miller_verbal_2007,
title = {Verbal Memory Retrieval Deficits Associated With Untreated Hypothyroidism},
author = {Karen J. Miller and Thomas D. Parsons and Peter C. Whybrow and Katja Herle and Natalie Rasgon and Andre Herle and Dorothy Martinez and Dan H. Silverman and Michael Bauer},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Verbal%20Memory%20Retrieval%20Deficits%20Associated%20With%20Untreated%20Hypothyroidism.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {132–136},
abstract = {The effects of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain on adult cognitive function are poorly understood. This study assessed the effects of hypothyroidism on cognitive function using a standard neuropsychological battery in 14 patients suffering from untreated hypothyroidism and complaining of subjective cognitive difï¬culties in comparison with 10 age-matched healthy comparison subjects. Signiï¬cant differences between groups were limited to verbal memory retrieval as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). On short delay free recall, long delay free recall, and long delay cued recall, signiï¬cant differences remained between groups despite the limited statistical power of this study. There were no signiï¬cant results found between groups on attentional or nonverbal tasks. Results suggest that hypothyroid-related memory deï¬cits are not attributable to an attentional deï¬cit but rather to speciï¬c retrieval deï¬cits.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The effects of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain on adult cognitive function are poorly understood. This study assessed the effects of hypothyroidism on cognitive function using a standard neuropsychological battery in 14 patients suffering from untreated hypothyroidism and complaining of subjective cognitive difï¬culties in comparison with 10 age-matched healthy comparison subjects. Signiï¬cant differences between groups were limited to verbal memory retrieval as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). On short delay free recall, long delay free recall, and long delay cued recall, signiï¬cant differences remained between groups despite the limited statistical power of this study. There were no signiï¬cant results found between groups on attentional or nonverbal tasks. Results suggest that hypothyroid-related memory deï¬cits are not attributable to an attentional deï¬cit but rather to speciï¬c retrieval deï¬cits.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Parsons, Thomas D.; Rogers, Steven A.; Braaten, Alyssa J.; Robertson, Wendy T.; Wilson, Susan; Hall, Colin D.
Assessing health-related quality of life in NeuroAIDS: some psychometric properties of the Neurological Quality of Life Questionnaire (NeuroQOL) Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 14, pp. 416+423, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_assessing_2007,
title = {Assessing health-related quality of life in NeuroAIDS: some psychometric properties of the Neurological Quality of Life Questionnaire (NeuroQOL)},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and Steven A. Rogers and Alyssa J. Braaten and Wendy T. Robertson and Susan Wilson and Colin D. Hall},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Assessing%20health-related%20quality%20of%20life%20in%20NeuroAIDS-%20some%20psychometric%20properties%20of%20the%20Neurological%20Quality%20of%20Life%20Questionnaire%20(NeuroQOL).pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Neuroscience},
volume = {14},
pages = {416+423},
abstract = {Several studies were undertaken to assess the psychometric properties (reliability and initial convergent and discriminant construct validity) of the Neurological Quality of Life Questionnaire (NeuroQOL). The NeuroQOL contains 114 items answered in self report Likert format, with higher scores reflecting better quality of life. Study one compared the questionnaire with existing quality of life measures (Symptom Distress Scale, Sickness Impact Profile) and disease stage, psychological, neuropsychological and neurological measures, and a significant correlation was also fount with each domain. The internal consistency reliability (alpha = 0.96), split half reliability (r12 = 0.97), and test-retest reliability (coefficients were 0.78 for 6 months and 0.67 for one year intervals between test and retest) were all found to high and adequately stable. Overall, these results indicate acceptable reliability and initial construct valididty for the NeuroQOL.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Several studies were undertaken to assess the psychometric properties (reliability and initial convergent and discriminant construct validity) of the Neurological Quality of Life Questionnaire (NeuroQOL). The NeuroQOL contains 114 items answered in self report Likert format, with higher scores reflecting better quality of life. Study one compared the questionnaire with existing quality of life measures (Symptom Distress Scale, Sickness Impact Profile) and disease stage, psychological, neuropsychological and neurological measures, and a significant correlation was also fount with each domain. The internal consistency reliability (alpha = 0.96), split half reliability (r12 = 0.97), and test-retest reliability (coefficients were 0.78 for 6 months and 0.67 for one year intervals between test and retest) were all found to high and adequately stable. Overall, these results indicate acceptable reliability and initial construct valididty for the NeuroQOL.
Rizzo, Albert; Graap, Ken; McLay, Robert N.; Perlman, Karen; Rothbaum, Barbara O.; Reger, Greg; Parsons, Thomas D.; Difede, JoAnn; Pair, Jarrell
Virtual Iraq: Initial Case Reports from a VR Exposure Therapy Application for Combat-Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Journal Article
In: Virtual Rehabilitation, vol. 27, pp. 124–130, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@article{rizzo_virtual_2007,
title = {Virtual Iraq: Initial Case Reports from a VR Exposure Therapy Application for Combat-Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Ken Graap and Robert N. McLay and Karen Perlman and Barbara O. Rothbaum and Greg Reger and Thomas D. Parsons and JoAnn Difede and Jarrell Pair},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Virtual%20Iraq-%20Initial%20Case%20Reports%20from%20a%20VR%20Exposure%20Therapy%20Application%20for%20Combat-Related%20Post%20Traumatic%20Stress%20Disorder.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Virtual Rehabilitation},
volume = {27},
pages = {124–130},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale and brief description of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application and present initial findings from two successfully treated patients. The VR treatment environment was created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far, Virtual Iraq consists of a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant Middle Eastern VR contexts for exposure therapy, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system deployed in Iraq and tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center and the results from two successfully treated patients are presented along with a delineation of our future plans for research and clinical care using this application.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale and brief description of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application and present initial findings from two successfully treated patients. The VR treatment environment was created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far, Virtual Iraq consists of a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant Middle Eastern VR contexts for exposure therapy, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system deployed in Iraq and tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center and the results from two successfully treated patients are presented along with a delineation of our future plans for research and clinical care using this application.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert; Bamattre, Jacob; Brennan, John
Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test Journal Article
In: Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_virtual_2007,
title = {Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo and Jacob Bamattre and John Brennan},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Virtual%20Reality%20Cognitive%20Performance%20Assessment%20Test.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine},
abstract = {Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT) is a virtual environment based measure of learning and memory. We examined convergent and discriminant validity and hypothesized that the VRCPAT’s Total Learning and Memory scores would correlate with other neuropsychological measures involving learning and memory, but not with measures involving potential confounds (i.e., Executive Functions; Attention; and Processing Speed). Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 15 minute VRCPAT battery and a 1.5 hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 20 healthy adults that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results supported both convergent and discriminant validity. That is, findings suggest that the VRCPAT measures a capacity that is 1) consistent with that assessed by traditional paper and pencil measures involving learning and memory; and 2) inconsistent with that assessed by traditional paper and pencil measures assessing neurocognitive domains traditionally assumed to be other than learning and memory. We conclude that the VRCPAT is a valid test that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study memory function within an ecologically valid environment.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual Reality Cognitive Performance Assessment Test (VRCPAT) is a virtual environment based measure of learning and memory. We examined convergent and discriminant validity and hypothesized that the VRCPAT’s Total Learning and Memory scores would correlate with other neuropsychological measures involving learning and memory, but not with measures involving potential confounds (i.e., Executive Functions; Attention; and Processing Speed). Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 15 minute VRCPAT battery and a 1.5 hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 20 healthy adults that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations. Results supported both convergent and discriminant validity. That is, findings suggest that the VRCPAT measures a capacity that is 1) consistent with that assessed by traditional paper and pencil measures involving learning and memory; and 2) inconsistent with that assessed by traditional paper and pencil measures assessing neurocognitive domains traditionally assumed to be other than learning and memory. We conclude that the VRCPAT is a valid test that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study memory function within an ecologically valid environment.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rogers, Steven A.; Hall, Colin D.; Robertson, R. Kevin
Motor Based Assessment of Neurocognitive Functioning in Resource-Limited International Settings. Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, vol. 29, pp. 59–66, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_motor_2007,
title = {Motor Based Assessment of Neurocognitive Functioning in Resource-Limited International Settings.},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Steven A. Rogers and Colin D. Hall and R. Kevin Robertson},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Motor%20based%20assessment%20of%20neurocognitive%20functioning%20in%20resource-limited%20Iinternational%20settings.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},
volume = {29},
pages = {59–66},
abstract = {This study compared variance accounted for by neuropsychological tests in both a brief motor battery and in a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. 327 HIV + subjects received a comprehensive cognitive battery and a shorter battery (Timed Gait, Grooved Pegboard, and Fingertapping). A significant correlation existed between the motor component tests and the more comprehensive battery (52% of variance). Adding Digit symbol and Trailmaking increased the amount of variance accounted for (73%). Motor battery sensitivity to impairment diagnosis was 0.79 and specificity was 0.76. A motor battery may have broader utility to diagnose and monitor HIV related neurocognitive disorders in international settings.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study compared variance accounted for by neuropsychological tests in both a brief motor battery and in a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. 327 HIV + subjects received a comprehensive cognitive battery and a shorter battery (Timed Gait, Grooved Pegboard, and Fingertapping). A significant correlation existed between the motor component tests and the more comprehensive battery (52% of variance). Adding Digit symbol and Trailmaking increased the amount of variance accounted for (73%). Motor battery sensitivity to impairment diagnosis was 0.79 and specificity was 0.76. A motor battery may have broader utility to diagnose and monitor HIV related neurocognitive disorders in international settings.
Iudicello, Jennifer E.; Woods, Steven Paul; Parsons, Thomas D.; Moran, Lisa M.; Carey, Catherine L.; Grant, Igor
Verbal fluency in HIV infection: A meta-analytic review Journal Article
In: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, vol. 13, pp. 183–189, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{iudicello_verbal_2007,
title = {Verbal fluency in HIV infection: A meta-analytic review},
author = {Jennifer E. Iudicello and Steven Paul Woods and Thomas D. Parsons and Lisa M. Moran and Catherine L. Carey and Igor Grant},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Verbal%20fluency%20in%20HIV%20infection-%20A%20meta-analytic%20review.pdf},
doi = {10.10170S1355617707070221},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society},
volume = {13},
pages = {183–189},
abstract = {Given the largely prefrontostriatal neuropathogenesis of HIV-associated neurobehavioral deficits, it is often presumed that HIV infection leads to greater impairment on letter versus category fluency. A meta-analysis of the HIV verbal fluency literature was conducted (k 5 37, n 5 7110) to assess this hypothesis and revealed generally small effect sizes for both letter and category fluency, which increased in magnitude with advancing HIV disease severity. Across all studies, the mean effect size of category fluency was slightly larger than that of letter fluency. However, the discrepancy between category and letter fluency dissipated in a more conservative analysis of only those studies that included both tests. Thus, HIV-associated impairments in letter and category fluency are of similar magnitude, suggesting that mild word generation deficits are evident in HIV, regardless of whether traditional letter or semantic cues are used to guide the word search and retrieval process.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Given the largely prefrontostriatal neuropathogenesis of HIV-associated neurobehavioral deficits, it is often presumed that HIV infection leads to greater impairment on letter versus category fluency. A meta-analysis of the HIV verbal fluency literature was conducted (k 5 37, n 5 7110) to assess this hypothesis and revealed generally small effect sizes for both letter and category fluency, which increased in magnitude with advancing HIV disease severity. Across all studies, the mean effect size of category fluency was slightly larger than that of letter fluency. However, the discrepancy between category and letter fluency dissipated in a more conservative analysis of only those studies that included both tests. Thus, HIV-associated impairments in letter and category fluency are of similar magnitude, suggesting that mild word generation deficits are evident in HIV, regardless of whether traditional letter or semantic cues are used to guide the word search and retrieval process.
Macedonio, Mary F.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Digiuseppe, Raymond A.; Wiederhold, Brenda K.; Rizzo, Albert
Immersiveness and Physiological Arousal within Panoramic Video-Based Virtual Reality Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 508–515, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{macedonio_immersiveness_2007,
title = {Immersiveness and Physiological Arousal within Panoramic Video-Based Virtual Reality},
author = {Mary F. Macedonio and Thomas D. Parsons and Raymond A. Digiuseppe and Brenda K. Wiederhold and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Immersiveness%20and%20Physiological%20Arousal%20within%20Panoramic%20Video-Based%20Virtual%20Reality.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {508–515},
abstract = {In this paper, we discuss findings from a study that used panoramic video-based virtual environments (PVVEs) to induce self-reported anger. The study assessed "immersiveness" and physiological correlates of anger arousal (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response [GSR], respiration, and skin temperature). Results indicate that over time, panoramic video-based virtual scenarios can be, at the very least, physiologically arousing. Further, it can be affirmed from the results that hypnotizability, as defined by the applied measures, interacts with group on physiological arousal measures. Hence, physiological arousal appeared to be moderated by participant hypnotizability and absorption levels.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this paper, we discuss findings from a study that used panoramic video-based virtual environments (PVVEs) to induce self-reported anger. The study assessed "immersiveness" and physiological correlates of anger arousal (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response [GSR], respiration, and skin temperature). Results indicate that over time, panoramic video-based virtual scenarios can be, at the very least, physiologically arousing. Further, it can be affirmed from the results that hypnotizability, as defined by the applied measures, interacts with group on physiological arousal measures. Hence, physiological arousal appeared to be moderated by participant hypnotizability and absorption levels.
Buckwalter, John Galen; Geiger, A. M.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Handler, J.; Howes, J.; Lehmer, R. R.
Cognitive Effects of Short-term Use of Raloxifene: A Randomized Clinical Trial Journal Article
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 117, pp. 1579–1590, 2007.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{buckwalter_cognitive_2007,
title = {Cognitive Effects of Short-term Use of Raloxifene: A Randomized Clinical Trial},
author = {John Galen Buckwalter and A. M. Geiger and Thomas D. Parsons and J. Handler and J. Howes and R. R. Lehmer},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Cognitive%20Effects%20of%20Short-term%20Use%20of%20Raloxifene-%20A%20Randomized%20Clinical%20Trial.pdf},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {117},
pages = {1579–1590},
abstract = {Two questions regarding findings from the Women's Health Initiative are (1) What is the effect of various hormonal regimens including selective estrogen receptor modulators? and (2) Is the negative effect on cognitive functioning related to the older age (65+years) if the women? This study addresses these two questions in a short-term randomized trial of the effects of raloxifene versus alendronate on cognition. The study found only one significant interaction where the raloxifene and alendronate group changed differently across the two testing occasions. Hence, raloxifene does not have any impact, positive or negative, on short-term cognitive functioning when compared to alendronate.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two questions regarding findings from the Women's Health Initiative are (1) What is the effect of various hormonal regimens including selective estrogen receptor modulators? and (2) Is the negative effect on cognitive functioning related to the older age (65+years) if the women? This study addresses these two questions in a short-term randomized trial of the effects of raloxifene versus alendronate on cognition. The study found only one significant interaction where the raloxifene and alendronate group changed differently across the two testing occasions. Hence, raloxifene does not have any impact, positive or negative, on short-term cognitive functioning when compared to alendronate.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Smurzynski, Marlene; Parsons, Thomas D.; Wu, Kunling; Bosch, Ronald J.; Wu, Julia; McArthur, Justin C.; Collier, Ann C.; Evans, Scott R.; Ellis, Ron J.
The Prevalence and Incidence of Neurocognitive Impairment in the HAART Era Journal Article
In: AIDS, vol. 21, pp. 1915–1921, 2007, ISSN: 0269-9370.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_prevalence_2007,
title = {The Prevalence and Incidence of Neurocognitive Impairment in the HAART Era},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Marlene Smurzynski and Thomas D. Parsons and Kunling Wu and Ronald J. Bosch and Julia Wu and Justin C. McArthur and Ann C. Collier and Scott R. Evans and Ron J. Ellis},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20prevalence%20and%20incidence%20of%20neurocognitive%20impairment%20in%20the%20HAART%20era.pdf},
issn = {0269-9370},
year = {2007},
date = {2007-01-01},
journal = {AIDS},
volume = {21},
pages = {1915–1921},
abstract = {Objectives: HAART suppresses HIV viral replication and restores immune function. The effects of HAART on neurological disease are less well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of neurocognitive impairment in individuals who initiated HAART as part of an AIDS clinical trial. Design: A prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients enrolled in randomized antiretroviral trials, the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT) study. Methods: We examined the association between baseline and demographic characteristics and neurocognitive impairment among 1160 subjects enrolled in the ALLRT study. Results: A history of immunosuppression (nadir CD4 cell count textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless 200 cells/ml) was associated with an increase in prevalent neurocognitive impairment. There were no signiï¬cant virological and immunological predictors of incident neurocognitive impairment. Current immune status (low CD4 cell count) was associated with sustained prevalent impairment. Conclusion: The association of previous advanced immunosuppression with prevalent and sustained impairment suggests that there is a non-reversible component of neural injury that tracks with a history of disease progression. The association of sustained impairment with worse current immune status (low CD4 cell count) suggests that restoring immunocompetence increases the likelihood of neurocognitive recovery. Finally, the lack of association between incident neurocognitive impairment and virological and immunological indicators implies that neural injury continues in some patients regardless of the success of antiretroviral therapy on these laboratory measures.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objectives: HAART suppresses HIV viral replication and restores immune function. The effects of HAART on neurological disease are less well understood. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of neurocognitive impairment in individuals who initiated HAART as part of an AIDS clinical trial. Design: A prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients enrolled in randomized antiretroviral trials, the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT) study. Methods: We examined the association between baseline and demographic characteristics and neurocognitive impairment among 1160 subjects enrolled in the ALLRT study. Results: A history of immunosuppression (nadir CD4 cell count textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless 200 cells/ml) was associated with an increase in prevalent neurocognitive impairment. There were no signiï¬cant virological and immunological predictors of incident neurocognitive impairment. Current immune status (low CD4 cell count) was associated with sustained prevalent impairment. Conclusion: The association of previous advanced immunosuppression with prevalent and sustained impairment suggests that there is a non-reversible component of neural injury that tracks with a history of disease progression. The association of sustained impairment with worse current immune status (low CD4 cell count) suggests that restoring immunocompetence increases the likelihood of neurocognitive recovery. Finally, the lack of association between incident neurocognitive impairment and virological and immunological indicators implies that neural injury continues in some patients regardless of the success of antiretroviral therapy on these laboratory measures.
2006
Rizzo, Albert; Pair, Jarrell; Parsons, Thomas D.; Liewer, Matt; Graap, Ken; Difede, JoAnn; Rothbaum, Barbara O.; Reger, Greg; Roy, Michael
A Virtual Reality Therapy Application for OEF/OIF Combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 25th Army Science Conference, Orlando, FL, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{rizzo_virtual_2006-1,
title = {A Virtual Reality Therapy Application for OEF/OIF Combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jarrell Pair and Thomas D. Parsons and Matt Liewer and Ken Graap and JoAnn Difede and Barbara O. Rothbaum and Greg Reger and Michael Roy},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20VIRTUAL%20REALITY%20THERAPY%20APPLICATION%20FOR%20OEF%20OIF%20COMBAT-RELATED%20POST%20TRAUMATIC%20STRESS%20DISORDER.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-11-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 25th Army Science Conference},
address = {Orlando, FL},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.
Marsella, Stacy C.; Carnicke, Sharon Marie; Gratch, Jonathan; Okhmatovskaia, Anna; Rizzo, Albert
An Exploration of Delsartes Structural Acting System Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA), pp. 80–92, Marina del Rey, CA, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{marsella_exploration_2006,
title = {An Exploration of Delsartes Structural Acting System},
author = {Stacy C. Marsella and Sharon Marie Carnicke and Jonathan Gratch and Anna Okhmatovskaia and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/An%20Exploration%20of%20Delsarte%E2%80%99s%20Structural%20Acting%20System.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-08-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVA)},
pages = {80–92},
address = {Marina del Rey, CA},
abstract = {The designers of virtual agents often draw on a large research literature in psychology, linguistics and human ethology to design embodied agents that can interact with people. In this paper, we consider a structural acting system developed by Francois Delsarte as a possible resource in designing the nonverbal behavior of embodied agents. Using human subjects,we evaluate one component of the system, Delsarte's Cube, that addresses the meaning of differing attitudes of the hand in gestures.},
keywords = {MedVR, Social Simulation, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
The designers of virtual agents often draw on a large research literature in psychology, linguistics and human ethology to design embodied agents that can interact with people. In this paper, we consider a structural acting system developed by Francois Delsarte as a possible resource in designing the nonverbal behavior of embodied agents. Using human subjects,we evaluate one component of the system, Delsarte's Cube, that addresses the meaning of differing attitudes of the hand in gestures.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rogers, Steven A.; Braaten, Alyssa J.; Woods, Steven Paul; Tröster, Alexander I.
Cognitive sequelae of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis Journal Article
In: Lancet Neurology, vol. 5, pp. 578–588, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_cognitive_2006,
title = {Cognitive sequelae of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Steven A. Rogers and Alyssa J. Braaten and Steven Paul Woods and Alexander I. Tröster},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Cognitive%20sequelae%20of%20subthalamic%20nucleus%20deep%20brain%20stimulation%20in%20Parkinson%E2%80%99s%20disease-%20a%20meta-analysis.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-06-01},
journal = {Lancet Neurology},
volume = {5},
pages = {578–588},
abstract = {Summary: Background Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) is an increasingly common treatment for Parkinson's disease. Qualitative reviews have concluded that diminished verbal fluency is common after STN DBS, but that changes in global cognitive abilities, attention, executive functions, and memory are only inconsistently observed and, when present, often nominal or transient. We did a quantitative meta-analysis to improve understanding of the variability and clinical signiï¬cance of cognitive dysfunction after STN DBS. Methods: We searched MedLine, PsycLIT, and ISI Web of Science electronic databases for articles published between 1990 and 2006, and extracted information about number of patients, exclusion criteria, conï¬rmation of target by microelectrode recording, veriï¬cation of electrode placement via radiographic means, stimulation parameters, assessment time points, assessment measures, whether patients were on levodopa or dopaminomimetics, and summary statistics needed for computation of effect sizes. We used the random-effects meta-analytical model to assess continuous outcomes before and after STN DBS. Findings: Of 40 neuropsychological studies identiï¬ed, 28 cohort studies (including 612 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. After adjusting for heterogeneity of variance in study effect sizes, the random effects meta-analysis revealed signiï¬cant, albeit small, declines in executive functions and verbal learning and memory. Moderate declines were only reported in semantic (Cohen's d 0·73) and phonemic verbal fluency (0·51). Changes in verbal fluency were not related to patient age, disease duration, stimulation parameters, or change in dopaminomimetic dose after surgery. Interpretation: STN DBS, in selected patients, seems relatively safe from a cognitive standpoint. However, diffculty in identiï¬cation of factors underlying changes in verbal fluency draws attention to the need for uniform and detailed reporting of patient selection, demographic, disease, treatment, surgical, stimulation, and clinical outcome parameters.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Summary: Background Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) is an increasingly common treatment for Parkinson's disease. Qualitative reviews have concluded that diminished verbal fluency is common after STN DBS, but that changes in global cognitive abilities, attention, executive functions, and memory are only inconsistently observed and, when present, often nominal or transient. We did a quantitative meta-analysis to improve understanding of the variability and clinical signiï¬cance of cognitive dysfunction after STN DBS. Methods: We searched MedLine, PsycLIT, and ISI Web of Science electronic databases for articles published between 1990 and 2006, and extracted information about number of patients, exclusion criteria, conï¬rmation of target by microelectrode recording, veriï¬cation of electrode placement via radiographic means, stimulation parameters, assessment time points, assessment measures, whether patients were on levodopa or dopaminomimetics, and summary statistics needed for computation of effect sizes. We used the random-effects meta-analytical model to assess continuous outcomes before and after STN DBS. Findings: Of 40 neuropsychological studies identiï¬ed, 28 cohort studies (including 612 patients) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. After adjusting for heterogeneity of variance in study effect sizes, the random effects meta-analysis revealed signiï¬cant, albeit small, declines in executive functions and verbal learning and memory. Moderate declines were only reported in semantic (Cohen's d 0·73) and phonemic verbal fluency (0·51). Changes in verbal fluency were not related to patient age, disease duration, stimulation parameters, or change in dopaminomimetic dose after surgery. Interpretation: STN DBS, in selected patients, seems relatively safe from a cognitive standpoint. However, diffculty in identiï¬cation of factors underlying changes in verbal fluency draws attention to the need for uniform and detailed reporting of patient selection, demographic, disease, treatment, surgical, stimulation, and clinical outcome parameters.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Tucker, Karen A.; Hall, Colin D.; Robertson, Wendy T.; Eron, Joseph J.; Fried, Michael W.; Robertson, R. Kevin
Neurocognitive functioning and HAART in HIV and hepatitis C virus co-infection Journal Article
In: AIDS, vol. 20, pp. 1591–1595, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_neurocognitive_2006,
title = {Neurocognitive functioning and HAART in HIV and hepatitis C virus co-infection},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Karen A. Tucker and Colin D. Hall and Wendy T. Robertson and Joseph J. Eron and Michael W. Fried and R. Kevin Robertson},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Neurocognitive%20functioning%20and%20HAART%20in%20HIV%20and%20hepatitis%20C%20virus%20co-infection.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-05-01},
journal = {AIDS},
volume = {20},
pages = {1591–1595},
abstract = {Objectives: This study examined the effects of HAART on neurocognitive functioning in persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infection. Design: A prospective study examining neurocognitive performance before and after HAART initiation. Method: Participant groups included a mono-infected group (45 HIV/HCV-participants) and a co-infected group (20 HIV/HCV participants). A neuropsychological battery (attention/concentration, psychomotor speed, executive functioning, verbal memory, visual memory, ï¬ne motor, and gross motor functioning) was used to evaluate all participants. After 6 months of HAART, 31 HIV mono-infected and 13 HCV/ HIV co-infected participants were reevaluated. Results: Neurocognitive functioning by domain revealed signiï¬cantly worse performance in the co-infected group when compared to the monoinfected group on domains of visual memory and ï¬ne motor functioning. Assessment of neurocognitive functioning after antiretroviral therapy revealed that the co-infected group was no longer performing worse than the monoinfected group. Conclusions: The ï¬ndings of the current study suggest that persons with HCV/HIV co-infection may have greater neurocognitive declines than persons with HIV infection alone. HCV/HIV co-infection may accelerate the progression of HIV related neurocognitive decline.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objectives: This study examined the effects of HAART on neurocognitive functioning in persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infection. Design: A prospective study examining neurocognitive performance before and after HAART initiation. Method: Participant groups included a mono-infected group (45 HIV/HCV-participants) and a co-infected group (20 HIV/HCV participants). A neuropsychological battery (attention/concentration, psychomotor speed, executive functioning, verbal memory, visual memory, ï¬ne motor, and gross motor functioning) was used to evaluate all participants. After 6 months of HAART, 31 HIV mono-infected and 13 HCV/ HIV co-infected participants were reevaluated. Results: Neurocognitive functioning by domain revealed signiï¬cantly worse performance in the co-infected group when compared to the monoinfected group on domains of visual memory and ï¬ne motor functioning. Assessment of neurocognitive functioning after antiretroviral therapy revealed that the co-infected group was no longer performing worse than the monoinfected group. Conclusions: The ï¬ndings of the current study suggest that persons with HCV/HIV co-infection may have greater neurocognitive declines than persons with HIV infection alone. HCV/HIV co-infection may accelerate the progression of HIV related neurocognitive decline.
Rizzo, Albert; Pair, Jarrell; Graap, Ken; Manson, Brian; McNerney, Peter J.; Wiederhold, Brenda K.; Wiederhold, Mark; Spira, James
A Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: From Training to Toy to Treatment Proceedings Article
In: NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Novel Approached to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{rizzo_virtual_2006,
title = {A Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: From Training to Toy to Treatment},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jarrell Pair and Ken Graap and Brian Manson and Peter J. McNerney and Brenda K. Wiederhold and Mark Wiederhold and James Spira},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20Virtual%20Reality%20Exposure%20Therapy%20Application%20for%20Iraq%20War%20Military%20Personnel%20with%20Post%20Traumatic%20Stress%20Disorder-%20From%20Training%20to%20Toy%20to%20Treatment.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-03-01},
booktitle = {NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Novel Approached to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure treatment has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR application that has been created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for a combat tactical training simulation, which then served as the inspiration for the X-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure treatment has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR application that has been created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for a combat tactical training simulation, which then served as the inspiration for the X-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior.
Pair, Jarrell; Allen, Brian; Dautricourt, Matthieu; Treskunov, Anton; Liewer, Matt; Graap, Ken; Reger, Greg; Rizzo, Albert
A Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Application for Iraq War Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the IEEE VR 2006 Conference, pp. 64–71, Alexandria, VA, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{pair_virtual_2006,
title = {A Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Application for Iraq War Post Traumatic Stress Disorder},
author = {Jarrell Pair and Brian Allen and Matthieu Dautricourt and Anton Treskunov and Matt Liewer and Ken Graap and Greg Reger and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/A%20Virtual%20Reality%20Exposure%20Therapy%20Application%20for%20Iraq%20War%20Post%20Traumatic%20Stress%20Disorder.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-03-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the IEEE VR 2006 Conference},
pages = {64–71},
address = {Alexandria, VA},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure treatment has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-Centered tests with the application are currently underway at the Naval Medical Center–San Diego and within an Army Combat Stress Control Team in Iraq with clinical trials scheduled to commence in February 2006.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure treatment has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-Centered tests with the application are currently underway at the Naval Medical Center–San Diego and within an Army Combat Stress Control Team in Iraq with clinical trials scheduled to commence in February 2006.
Buxbaum, Laurel J.; Palermo, Maryann; Mastrogiovanni, Dina; Read, Mary Schmidt; Rosenberg-Pitonyak, Ellen; Rizzo, Albert; Coslett, H. Branch
Assessment of Spatial Neglect with a Virtual Wheelchair Navigation Task Proceedings Article
In: 5th Annual International Workshop on Virtual Rehabilitation, New York, NY, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@inproceedings{buxbaum_assessment_2006,
title = {Assessment of Spatial Neglect with a Virtual Wheelchair Navigation Task},
author = {Laurel J. Buxbaum and Maryann Palermo and Dina Mastrogiovanni and Mary Schmidt Read and Ellen Rosenberg-Pitonyak and Albert Rizzo and H. Branch Coslett},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Assessment%20of%20Spatial%20Neglect%20with%20a%20Virtual%20Wheelchair%20Navigation%20Task.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
booktitle = {5th Annual International Workshop on Virtual Rehabilitation},
address = {New York, NY},
abstract = {We report data from 9 participants with right hemisphere stroke on a new virtual reality (VR) wheelchair navigation test designed to assess lateralized spatial attention and neglect. The test consists of a virtual winding path along which participants must navigate (or be navigated by an experimenter) as they name objects encountered along the way. There are 4 VR task conditions, obtained by crossing the factors array complexity (Simple, Complex) and Driver (Participant, Experimenter). Participants performed the VR task, a real-life wheelchair navigation task, and a battery of tests assessing arousal, visual attention under secondary task demands, and neglect. The VR test showed sensitivity to both array complexity and driver, with best performance occurring in the Experimenter Navigated, Simple Array condition. The VR test also showed high correlations with the wheelchair navigation test, and these correlations were in many instances higher than those between traditional clinical neglect tests and the wheelchair navigation task. Moreover, the VR test detected lateralized attention deficits in participants whose performance was within the normal range on other neglect tests. We conclude that the VR task is sensitive to factors likely to affect the severity of neglect in the daily environment, and shows promise as an efficient, easily administered measure of real-life wheelchair navigation.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
We report data from 9 participants with right hemisphere stroke on a new virtual reality (VR) wheelchair navigation test designed to assess lateralized spatial attention and neglect. The test consists of a virtual winding path along which participants must navigate (or be navigated by an experimenter) as they name objects encountered along the way. There are 4 VR task conditions, obtained by crossing the factors array complexity (Simple, Complex) and Driver (Participant, Experimenter). Participants performed the VR task, a real-life wheelchair navigation task, and a battery of tests assessing arousal, visual attention under secondary task demands, and neglect. The VR test showed sensitivity to both array complexity and driver, with best performance occurring in the Experimenter Navigated, Simple Array condition. The VR test also showed high correlations with the wheelchair navigation test, and these correlations were in many instances higher than those between traditional clinical neglect tests and the wheelchair navigation task. Moreover, the VR test detected lateralized attention deficits in participants whose performance was within the normal range on other neglect tests. We conclude that the VR task is sensitive to factors likely to affect the severity of neglect in the daily environment, and shows promise as an efficient, easily administered measure of real-life wheelchair navigation.
Nelson, Nathaniel W.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Grote, Christopher L.; Smith, Clifford A.; II, James R. Sisung
The MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale: Concordance and Specificity of True and Estimated Scores Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, vol. 28, pp. 1–12, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{nelson_mmpi-2_2006,
title = {The MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale: Concordance and Specificity of True and Estimated Scores},
author = {Nathaniel W. Nelson and Thomas D. Parsons and Christopher L. Grote and Clifford A. Smith and James R. Sisung II},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/The%20MMPI-2%20Fake%20Bad%20Scale-%20Concordance%20and%20Specificity%20of%20True%20and%20Estimated%20Scores.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13803390490919272},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},
volume = {28},
pages = {1–12},
series = {1380-339},
abstract = {A number of recent studies have supported the use of the MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale (FBS) as a measure of negative response bias, the scale at times demonstrating greater sensitivity to negative response bias than other MMPI-2 validity scales. However, clinicians may not always have access to True FBS (T-FBS) scores, such as when True-False answer sheets are unavailable or published research studies do not report FBS raw scores. Under these conditions, Larrabee (2003a) suggests a linear regression formula that provides estimated FBS (E-FBS) scores derived from weighted validity and clinical T-Scores. The present study intended to validate this regression formula of MMPI-2 E-FBS scores and demonstrate its specificity in a sample of non-litigating, clinically referred, medically intractable epilepsy patients. We predicted that the E-FBS scores would correlate highly (textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextgreater.70) with the T-FBS scores, that the E-FBS would show comparable correlations with MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales relative to the T-FBS, and that the E-FBS would show an adequate ability to match T-FBS scores using a variety of previously suggested T-FBS raw score cutoffs. Overall, E-FBS scores correlated very highly with T-FBS scores (r = .78, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001), though correlations were especially high for women (r = .85, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001) compared to men (r = .62, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .001). Thirty-one of 32 (96.9%) comparisons made between E-FBS/T-FBS correlates with other MMPI-2 scales were nonsignificant. When matching to T-FBS "high" and "low" scores, the E-FBS scores demonstrated the highest hit rate (92.5%) through use of Lees-Haley's (1992) revised cutoffs for men and women. These same cutoffs resulted in excellent overall specificity for both the T-FBS scores (92.5%) and E-FBS scores (90.6%). The authors conclude that the E-FBS represents an adequate estimate of T-FBS scores in the current epilepsy sample. Use of E-FBS scores may be especially useful when clinicians conduct the MMPI-2 short form, which does not include all of the 43 FBS items but does include enough items to compute each of the validity and clinical T-Scores. Future studies should examine E-FBS sensitivity in compensation-seekers with incomplete effort.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A number of recent studies have supported the use of the MMPI-2 Fake Bad Scale (FBS) as a measure of negative response bias, the scale at times demonstrating greater sensitivity to negative response bias than other MMPI-2 validity scales. However, clinicians may not always have access to True FBS (T-FBS) scores, such as when True-False answer sheets are unavailable or published research studies do not report FBS raw scores. Under these conditions, Larrabee (2003a) suggests a linear regression formula that provides estimated FBS (E-FBS) scores derived from weighted validity and clinical T-Scores. The present study intended to validate this regression formula of MMPI-2 E-FBS scores and demonstrate its specificity in a sample of non-litigating, clinically referred, medically intractable epilepsy patients. We predicted that the E-FBS scores would correlate highly (textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextgreater.70) with the T-FBS scores, that the E-FBS would show comparable correlations with MMPI-2 validity and clinical scales relative to the T-FBS, and that the E-FBS would show an adequate ability to match T-FBS scores using a variety of previously suggested T-FBS raw score cutoffs. Overall, E-FBS scores correlated very highly with T-FBS scores (r = .78, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001), though correlations were especially high for women (r = .85, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .0001) compared to men (r = .62, p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .001). Thirty-one of 32 (96.9%) comparisons made between E-FBS/T-FBS correlates with other MMPI-2 scales were nonsignificant. When matching to T-FBS "high" and "low" scores, the E-FBS scores demonstrated the highest hit rate (92.5%) through use of Lees-Haley's (1992) revised cutoffs for men and women. These same cutoffs resulted in excellent overall specificity for both the T-FBS scores (92.5%) and E-FBS scores (90.6%). The authors conclude that the E-FBS represents an adequate estimate of T-FBS scores in the current epilepsy sample. Use of E-FBS scores may be especially useful when clinicians conduct the MMPI-2 short form, which does not include all of the 43 FBS items but does include enough items to compute each of the validity and clinical T-Scores. Future studies should examine E-FBS sensitivity in compensation-seekers with incomplete effort.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Kratz, K. M.; Thompson, E.; Stanczyk, F. Z.; Buckwalter, John Galen
DHEA Supplementation and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women Journal Article
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 16, pp. 141–155, 2006, ISSN: 0020-7454.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_dhea_2006,
title = {DHEA Supplementation and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and K. M. Kratz and E. Thompson and F. Z. Stanczyk and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/DHEA%20Supplementation%20and%20Cognition%20in%20Postmenopausal%20Women.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/00207450500341506},
issn = {0020-7454},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {16},
pages = {141–155},
abstract = {Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA’s impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA’s impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.
Feintuch, Uri; Liat, Raz; Hwang, Jane; Josman, Naomi; Katz, Noomi; Kizony, Rachel; Rand, Debbie; Rizzo, Albert; Shahar, Meir; Yongseok, Jang; Weiss, Patrice L. (Tamar)
Integrating haptic-tactile feedback into a video capture based VE for rehabilitation Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 129–132, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{feintuch_integrating_2006,
title = {Integrating haptic-tactile feedback into a video capture based VE for rehabilitation},
author = {Uri Feintuch and Raz Liat and Jane Hwang and Naomi Josman and Noomi Katz and Rachel Kizony and Debbie Rand and Albert Rizzo and Meir Shahar and Jang Yongseok and Patrice L. (Tamar) Weiss},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Integrating%20Haptic-Tactile%20Feedback%20into%20a%20Video-Capture%E2%80%93Based%20Virtual%20Environment%20for%20Rehabilitation.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {129–132},
abstract = {Video-capture virtual reality (VR) systems are gaining popularity as intervention tools. Todate, these platforms offer visual and audio feedback but do not provide haptic feedback. Wecontend that adding haptic feedback may enhance the quality of intervention for various theoretical and empirical reasons. This study aims to integrate haptic-tactile feedback into avideo capture system (GX VR), which is currently applied for rehabilitation. The proposedmulti-modal system can deliver audio-visual as well as vibrotactile feedback. The latter isprovided via small vibratory discs attached to the patient's limbs. This paper describes thesystem, the guidelines of its design, and the ongoing usability study.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Video-capture virtual reality (VR) systems are gaining popularity as intervention tools. Todate, these platforms offer visual and audio feedback but do not provide haptic feedback. Wecontend that adding haptic feedback may enhance the quality of intervention for various theoretical and empirical reasons. This study aims to integrate haptic-tactile feedback into avideo capture system (GX VR), which is currently applied for rehabilitation. The proposedmulti-modal system can deliver audio-visual as well as vibrotactile feedback. The latter isprovided via small vibratory discs attached to the patient's limbs. This paper describes thesystem, the guidelines of its design, and the ongoing usability study.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Parsons, Thomas D.; Horst, Charles; Hall, Colin D.
Thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in nonpsychiatric human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals Journal Article
In: Death Studies, vol. 30, pp. 455–469, 2006, ISSN: 0748-1187.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_thoughts_2006,
title = {Thoughts of death and suicidal ideation in nonpsychiatric human immunodeficiency virus seropositive individuals},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and Charles Horst and Colin D. Hall},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/THOUGHTS%20OF%20DEATH%20AND%20SUICIDAL%20IDEATION%20IN%20NONPSYCHIATRIC%20HUMAN%20IMMUNODEFICIENCY%20VIRUS%20SEROPOSITIVE%20INDIVIDUALS.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/07481180600614435},
issn = {0748-1187},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Death Studies},
volume = {30},
pages = {455–469},
abstract = {The present study examines the prevalence of death thoughts and suicidality in HIV infection. Subjects (n = 246) were examined for psychiatric morbidity and suicidality. Compared to high risk HIV seronegatives, HIV seropositives (HIV•) had significantly increased frequency and severity of both suicidal ideation and death thoughts. Two-thirds of seropositives had suicidal ideation at some point; half of the seropositives reported suicide plans and one quarter suicide attempts; and third of seropositives reported current suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation did not increase with advancing disease. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation suggests inclusion of its assessment in HIV treatment regardless of stage.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The present study examines the prevalence of death thoughts and suicidality in HIV infection. Subjects (n = 246) were examined for psychiatric morbidity and suicidality. Compared to high risk HIV seronegatives, HIV seropositives (HIV•) had significantly increased frequency and severity of both suicidal ideation and death thoughts. Two-thirds of seropositives had suicidal ideation at some point; half of the seropositives reported suicide plans and one quarter suicide attempts; and third of seropositives reported current suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation did not increase with advancing disease. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation suggests inclusion of its assessment in HIV treatment regardless of stage.
Gold, Jeffrey I.; Kim, Seok Hyeon; Kant, Alexis J.; Joseph, Michael H.; Rizzo, Albert
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain Distraction during IV Placement Journal Article
In: CyberPsychology and Behavior, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 207–212, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{gold_effectiveness_2006,
title = {Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain Distraction during IV Placement},
author = {Jeffrey I. Gold and Seok Hyeon Kim and Alexis J. Kant and Michael H. Joseph and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Effectiveness%20of%20Virtual%20Reality%20for%20Pediatric%20Pain%20Distraction%20during%20IV%20Placement.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {CyberPsychology and Behavior},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {207–212},
abstract = {The objective of this study was to test the efficacy and suitability of virtual reality (VR) as apain distraction for pediatric intravenous (IV) placement. Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls) requiring IV placement for a magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) scan were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) VR distraction using Street Luge(5DT), presented via a head-mounted display, or (2) standard of care (topical anesthetic) with no distraction. Children, their parents, and nurses completed self-report questionnaires that assessed numerous health-related outcomes. Responses from the Faces Pain Scale–Revisedindicated a fourfold increase in affective pain within the control condition; by contrast, nosignificant differences were detected within the VR condition. Significant associations between multiple measures of anticipatory anxiety, affective pain, IV pain intensity, and measures of past procedural pain provided support for the complex interplay of a multimodalassessment of pain perception. There was also a sufficient amount of evidence supportingthe efficacy of Street Luge as a pediatric pain distraction tool during IV placement: an adequate level of presence, no simulator sickness, and significantly more child-, parent-, and nurse-reported satisfaction with pain management. VR pain distraction was positively endorsed by all reporters and is a promising tool for decreasing pain, and anxiety in childrenundergoing acute medical interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizesand other routine medical procedures is warranted.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The objective of this study was to test the efficacy and suitability of virtual reality (VR) as apain distraction for pediatric intravenous (IV) placement. Twenty children (12 boys, 8 girls) requiring IV placement for a magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) scan were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) VR distraction using Street Luge(5DT), presented via a head-mounted display, or (2) standard of care (topical anesthetic) with no distraction. Children, their parents, and nurses completed self-report questionnaires that assessed numerous health-related outcomes. Responses from the Faces Pain Scale–Revisedindicated a fourfold increase in affective pain within the control condition; by contrast, nosignificant differences were detected within the VR condition. Significant associations between multiple measures of anticipatory anxiety, affective pain, IV pain intensity, and measures of past procedural pain provided support for the complex interplay of a multimodalassessment of pain perception. There was also a sufficient amount of evidence supportingthe efficacy of Street Luge as a pediatric pain distraction tool during IV placement: an adequate level of presence, no simulator sickness, and significantly more child-, parent-, and nurse-reported satisfaction with pain management. VR pain distraction was positively endorsed by all reporters and is a promising tool for decreasing pain, and anxiety in childrenundergoing acute medical interventions. However, further research with larger sample sizesand other routine medical procedures is warranted.
Braaten, Alyssa J.; Parsons, Thomas D.; McCue, Robert; Sellers, Alfred; Burns, William J.
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 116, pp. 1271–1293, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{braaten_neurocognitive_2006,
title = {Neurocognitive Differential Diagnosis of Dementing Diseases: Alzheimers Demntia, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder},
author = {Alyssa J. Braaten and Thomas D. Parsons and Robert McCue and Alfred Sellers and William J. Burns},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/NEUROCOGNITIVE%20DIFFERENTIAL%20DIAGNOSIS%20OF%20DEMENTING%20DISEASES-%20ALZHEIMER%E2%80%99S%20DEMENTIA,%20VASCULAR%20DEMENTIA,%20FRONTOTEMPORAL%20DEMENTIA,%20AND%20MAJOR%20DEPRESSIVE%20DISORDER.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {116},
pages = {1271–1293},
abstract = {Similarities in presentation of Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder, pose differential diagnosis challenges. The current study identiï¬es speciï¬c neuropsychological patterns of scores for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Neuropsychological domains directly assessed in the study included: immediate memory, delayed memory, confrontational naming, verbal fluency, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. The results reveal speciï¬c neuropsychological comparative proï¬les for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. The identiï¬cation of these proï¬les will assist in the differential diagnosis of these disorders and aid in patient treatment.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Similarities in presentation of Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder, pose differential diagnosis challenges. The current study identiï¬es speciï¬c neuropsychological patterns of scores for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. Neuropsychological domains directly assessed in the study included: immediate memory, delayed memory, confrontational naming, verbal fluency, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. The results reveal speciï¬c neuropsychological comparative proï¬les for Dementia of Alzheimer's Type, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Major Depressive Disorder. The identiï¬cation of these proï¬les will assist in the differential diagnosis of these disorders and aid in patient treatment.
Rizzo, Albert; Graap, Ken; Pair, Jarrell; Reger,; Treskunov, Anton; Parsons, Thomas D.
User-centered design driven development of a virtual reality therapy application for Iraq war combat-related post traumatic stress disorder Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technology, Esbjerg, Denmark, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@inproceedings{rizzo_user-centered_2006,
title = {User-centered design driven development of a virtual reality therapy application for Iraq war combat-related post traumatic stress disorder},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Ken Graap and Jarrell Pair and Reger and Anton Treskunov and Thomas D. Parsons},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/User-centered%20design%20driven%20development%20of%20a%20virtual%20reality%20therapy%20application%20for%20Iraq%20war%20combat-related%20post%20traumatic%20stress%20disorder.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technology},
address = {Esbjerg, Denmark},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experience including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that at least 1 out of 6 Iraq War veterans are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) delivered exposure therapy for PTSD has been used with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to present the rationale, technical specifications, application features and user-centered design process for the development of a Virtual Iraq PTSD VR therapy application. The VR treatment environment is being created via the recycling of virtual graphic assets that were initially built for the U.S. Army-funded combat tactical simulation scenario and commercially successful X-Box game, Full Spectrum Warrior, in addition to other available and newly created assets. Thus far we have created a series of customizable virtual scenarios designed to represent relevant contexts for exposure therapy to be conducted in VR, including a city and desert road convoy environment. User-centered design feedback needed to iteratively evolve the system was gathered from returning Iraq War veterans in the USA and from a system in Iraq tested by an Army Combat Stress Control Team. Clinical trials are currently underway at Camp Pendleton and at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Other sites are preparing to use the application for a variety of PTSD and VR research purposes.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Braaten, Alyssa J.; Hall, Colin D.; Robertson, R. Kevin
Better quality of life with neuropsychological improvement on HAART Journal Article
In: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, vol. 4, no. 11, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_better_2006,
title = {Better quality of life with neuropsychological improvement on HAART},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Alyssa J. Braaten and Colin D. Hall and R. Kevin Robertson},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Better%20quality%20of%20life%20with%20neuropsychological%20improvement%20on%20HAART.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Health and Quality of Life Outcomes},
volume = {4},
number = {11},
abstract = {Background: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have resulted in substantial improvements in the systemic health of HIV infected persons and increased survival times. Despite increased systemic health, the prevalence of minor HIV-associated cognitive impairment appears to be rising with increased longevity, and it remains to be seen what functional outcomes will result from these improvements. Cognitive impairment can dramatically impact functional ability and day-to-day productivity. We assessed the relationship of quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological functioning with successful HAART treatment. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, subjects were evaluated before instituting HAART (naïve) or before changing HAART regimens because current therapy failed to maintain suppression of plasma viral load (treatment failure). Subjects underwent detailed neuropsychological and neurological examinations, as well as psychological evaluation sensitive to possible confounds. Re-evaluation was performed six months after institution of the new HAART regimen and/or if plasma viral load indicated treatment failure. At each evaluation, subjects underwent ultrasensitive HIV RNA quantitative evaluation in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: HAART successes performed better than failures on measures exploring speed of mental processing (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .02). HAART failure was significantly associated with increased self-reports of physical health complaints (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01) and substance abuse (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01). An interesting trend emerged, in which HAART failures endorsed greater levels of psychological and cognitive complaints (p = 06). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and QOL scores revealed significant. correlation between QOL Total and processing speed (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05), as well as flexibility (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05). Conclusion: Our study investigated the relationship between HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. HAART failures experienced slower psychomotor processing, and had increased self-reports of physical health complaints and substance abuse. Contrariwise, HAART successes experienced improved mental processing, demonstrating the impact of successful treatment on functioning. With increasing life expectancy for those who are HIV seropositive, it is important to measure cognitive functioning in relation to the actual QOL these individuals report. The study results have implications for the optimal management of HIV-infected persons. Specific support or intervention may be beneficial for those who have failed HAART in order to decrease substance abuse and increase overall physical health.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have resulted in substantial improvements in the systemic health of HIV infected persons and increased survival times. Despite increased systemic health, the prevalence of minor HIV-associated cognitive impairment appears to be rising with increased longevity, and it remains to be seen what functional outcomes will result from these improvements. Cognitive impairment can dramatically impact functional ability and day-to-day productivity. We assessed the relationship of quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological functioning with successful HAART treatment. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, subjects were evaluated before instituting HAART (naïve) or before changing HAART regimens because current therapy failed to maintain suppression of plasma viral load (treatment failure). Subjects underwent detailed neuropsychological and neurological examinations, as well as psychological evaluation sensitive to possible confounds. Re-evaluation was performed six months after institution of the new HAART regimen and/or if plasma viral load indicated treatment failure. At each evaluation, subjects underwent ultrasensitive HIV RNA quantitative evaluation in both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Results: HAART successes performed better than failures on measures exploring speed of mental processing (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .02). HAART failure was significantly associated with increased self-reports of physical health complaints (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01) and substance abuse (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .01). An interesting trend emerged, in which HAART failures endorsed greater levels of psychological and cognitive complaints (p = 06). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and QOL scores revealed significant. correlation between QOL Total and processing speed (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05), as well as flexibility (p textbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextbackslashtextless .05). Conclusion: Our study investigated the relationship between HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. HAART failures experienced slower psychomotor processing, and had increased self-reports of physical health complaints and substance abuse. Contrariwise, HAART successes experienced improved mental processing, demonstrating the impact of successful treatment on functioning. With increasing life expectancy for those who are HIV seropositive, it is important to measure cognitive functioning in relation to the actual QOL these individuals report. The study results have implications for the optimal management of HIV-infected persons. Specific support or intervention may be beneficial for those who have failed HAART in order to decrease substance abuse and increase overall physical health.
Miller, Karen J.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Whybrow, Peter C.; Herle, Katja; Rasgon, Natalie; Herle, Andre; Martinez, Dorothy; Silverman, Dan H.; Bauer, Michael
Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism Journal Article
In: International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 16, no. 8, pp. 895–906, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{miller_memory_2006,
title = {Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism},
author = {Karen J. Miller and Thomas D. Parsons and Peter C. Whybrow and Katja Herle and Natalie Rasgon and Andre Herle and Dorothy Martinez and Dan H. Silverman and Michael Bauer},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Memory%20Improvement%20with%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Neuroscience},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {895–906},
abstract = {The consequences of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain and treatment effects of levothyroxine function are still poorly understood. This study prospectively assessed the effects of thyroid replacement therapy on cognitive function in patients suffering from biochemical evidenced, untreated hypothyroidism. Significant effects between the untreated hypothyroid group and control group were limited to verbal memory retrieval. When assessing the effects of 3-month treatment, results revealed that the treated hypothyroid group had significant increased verbal memory retrieval. Results suggest that specific memory retrieval deficits associated with hypothyroidism can resolve after replacement therapy with levothyroxine.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The consequences of inadequate thyroid hormone availability to the brain and treatment effects of levothyroxine function are still poorly understood. This study prospectively assessed the effects of thyroid replacement therapy on cognitive function in patients suffering from biochemical evidenced, untreated hypothyroidism. Significant effects between the untreated hypothyroid group and control group were limited to verbal memory retrieval. When assessing the effects of 3-month treatment, results revealed that the treated hypothyroid group had significant increased verbal memory retrieval. Results suggest that specific memory retrieval deficits associated with hypothyroidism can resolve after replacement therapy with levothyroxine.
Tröster, Alexander I.; Parsons, Thomas D.
Sodium Amytal Testing and Language Journal Article
In: Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, vol. 11, pp. 500–503, 2006.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{troster_sodium_2006,
title = {Sodium Amytal Testing and Language},
author = {Alexander I. Tröster and Thomas D. Parsons},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Sodium%20Amytal%20Testing%20and%20Language.pdf},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics},
volume = {11},
pages = {500–503},
abstract = {The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) was first described by Juhn Wada and thus is often referred to as the 'Wada test.' Wada originally developed this technique to study the interhemispheric spread of epileptiform discharges in patients undergoing unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Based on his observation that an expressive aphasia resulted when the language dominant hemisphere was injected with amobarbital, he reasoned that this technique might be useful in determining hemispheric language dominance in neurosurgical candidates (and thus minimize speech and language dysfunction in patients undergoing dominant hemisphere surgery).},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) was first described by Juhn Wada and thus is often referred to as the 'Wada test.' Wada originally developed this technique to study the interhemispheric spread of epileptiform discharges in patients undergoing unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Based on his observation that an expressive aphasia resulted when the language dominant hemisphere was injected with amobarbital, he reasoned that this technique might be useful in determining hemispheric language dominance in neurosurgical candidates (and thus minimize speech and language dysfunction in patients undergoing dominant hemisphere surgery).
Woods, Steven Paul; Rippeth, Julie D.; Conover, Emily; Carey, Catherine L.; Parsons, Thomas D.; Tröster, Alexander I.
Statistical Power of Studies Examining the Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Journal Article
In: The Clinical Neuropsychologist, vol. 20, pp. 27–38, 2006, ISSN: 1385-4046.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{woods_statistical_2006,
title = {Statistical Power of Studies Examining the Cognitive Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease},
author = {Steven Paul Woods and Julie D. Rippeth and Emily Conover and Catherine L. Carey and Thomas D. Parsons and Alexander I. Tröster},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/STATISTICAL%20POWER%20OF%20STUDIES%20EXAMINING%20THE%20COGNITIVE%20EFFECTS%20OF%20SUBTHALAMIC%20NUCLEUS%20DEEP%20BRAIN%20STIMULATION%20IN%20PARKINSON%E2%80%99S%20DISEASE.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13854040500203290},
issn = {1385-4046},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {The Clinical Neuropsychologist},
volume = {20},
pages = {27–38},
abstract = {It has been argued that neuropsychological studies generally possess adequate statistical power to detect large effect sizes. However, low statistical power is problematic in neuropsychological research involving clinical populations and novel interventions for which available sample sizes are often limited. One notable example of this problem is evident in the literature regarding the cognitive sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current review, a post hoc estimate of the statistical power of 30 studies examining cognitive effects of STN DBS in PD revealed adequate power to detect substantial cognitive declines (i.e., very large effect sizes), but surprisingly low estimated power to detect cognitive changes associated with conventionally small, medium, and large effect sizes. Such wide spread Type II error risk in the STN DBS cognitive outcomes literature may affect the clinical decision-making process as concerns the possible risk of postsurgical cognitive morbidity, as well as conceptual inferences to be drawn regarding the role of the STN in higher-level cognitive functions. Statistical and methodological recommendations (e.g., meta-analysis) are offered to enhance the power of current and future studies examining the neuropsychological sequelae of STN DBS in PD.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
It has been argued that neuropsychological studies generally possess adequate statistical power to detect large effect sizes. However, low statistical power is problematic in neuropsychological research involving clinical populations and novel interventions for which available sample sizes are often limited. One notable example of this problem is evident in the literature regarding the cognitive sequelae of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current review, a post hoc estimate of the statistical power of 30 studies examining cognitive effects of STN DBS in PD revealed adequate power to detect substantial cognitive declines (i.e., very large effect sizes), but surprisingly low estimated power to detect cognitive changes associated with conventionally small, medium, and large effect sizes. Such wide spread Type II error risk in the STN DBS cognitive outcomes literature may affect the clinical decision-making process as concerns the possible risk of postsurgical cognitive morbidity, as well as conceptual inferences to be drawn regarding the role of the STN in higher-level cognitive functions. Statistical and methodological recommendations (e.g., meta-analysis) are offered to enhance the power of current and future studies examining the neuropsychological sequelae of STN DBS in PD.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Parsons, Thomas D.; Sidtis, John J.; Inman, Tina Hanlon; Robertson, Wendy T.; Hall, Colin D.; Price, Richard W.
Timed Gait Test: Normative Data for the Assessment of the AIDS Dementia Complex Journal Article
In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, vol. 28, pp. 1053–1064, 2006, ISSN: 1380-3395.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_timed_2006,
title = {Timed Gait Test: Normative Data for the Assessment of the AIDS Dementia Complex},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Thomas D. Parsons and John J. Sidtis and Tina Hanlon Inman and Wendy T. Robertson and Colin D. Hall and Richard W. Price},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Timed%20Gait%20Test-%20Normative%20Data%20for%20the%20Assessment%20of%20the%20AIDS%20Dementia%20Complex.pdf},
doi = {10.1080/13803390500205684},
issn = {1380-3395},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology},
volume = {28},
pages = {1053–1064},
abstract = {The Timed Gait test is a standardized procedure assessing motor dysfunction of lower extremities and gait abnormalities associated with AIDS dementia complex. Heretofore, interpretations of Timed Gait results have been hampered by the lack of normative data. We provide results on this test derived from 1,549 subjects (HIV-seronegatives (HIV-) and seropositives (HIV+) classified according to ADC stage). Timed Gait was found to be a useful screening and assessment tool for evaluating ADC and correlated with clinical ADC staging as well as more extensive structured neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Analysis of covariance results (with age and education as covariates) revealed symptomatic HIV+(SX) and AIDS groups having significantly slower Timed Gait scores than those in the HIV– and asymptomatic HIV+(ASX) groups. The SX group obtained significantly slower timed gait scores than those in the AIDS group. There was a significant increase in Timed Gait scores with each increase in dementia staging with the HIV- subjects having the fastest mean Timed Gait scores and the HIV+ dementia stage 2+ having the slowest. These normative data should prove useful in both recognition of ADC and treatment response. Given its minimal training requirements, the Timed Gait would have utility in resource limited settings.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Timed Gait test is a standardized procedure assessing motor dysfunction of lower extremities and gait abnormalities associated with AIDS dementia complex. Heretofore, interpretations of Timed Gait results have been hampered by the lack of normative data. We provide results on this test derived from 1,549 subjects (HIV-seronegatives (HIV-) and seropositives (HIV+) classified according to ADC stage). Timed Gait was found to be a useful screening and assessment tool for evaluating ADC and correlated with clinical ADC staging as well as more extensive structured neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. Analysis of covariance results (with age and education as covariates) revealed symptomatic HIV+(SX) and AIDS groups having significantly slower Timed Gait scores than those in the HIV– and asymptomatic HIV+(ASX) groups. The SX group obtained significantly slower timed gait scores than those in the AIDS group. There was a significant increase in Timed Gait scores with each increase in dementia staging with the HIV- subjects having the fastest mean Timed Gait scores and the HIV+ dementia stage 2+ having the slowest. These normative data should prove useful in both recognition of ADC and treatment response. Given its minimal training requirements, the Timed Gait would have utility in resource limited settings.
2005
Morie, Jacquelyn; Iyer, Kumar; Luigi, Donat-Pierre; Williams, Josh; Dozois, Aimee; Rizzo, Albert
Development of a Data Management Tool for Investigating Multivariate Space and Free Will Experiences Journal Article
In: Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 319–331, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Worlds
@article{morie_development_2005,
title = {Development of a Data Management Tool for Investigating Multivariate Space and Free Will Experiences},
author = {Jacquelyn Morie and Kumar Iyer and Donat-Pierre Luigi and Josh Williams and Aimee Dozois and Albert Rizzo},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20Data%20Management%20Tool%20for%20Investigating%20Multivariate%20Space%20and%20Free%20Will%20Experiences%20in%20Virtual%20Reality.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-09-01},
journal = {Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {319–331},
abstract = {While achieving realism has been a main goal in making convincing virtual reality (VR) environments, just what constitutes realism is still a question situated firmly in the research domain. VR has become mature enough to be used in therapeutic applications such as clinical exposure therapy with some success. We now need detailed scientific investigations to better understand why VR works for these types of cases, and how it could work for other key applications such as training. Just as in real life, it appears that the factors will be complex and multi-variate, and this plethoric situation presents exceptional challenges to the VR researcher. We would not want to lessen VR’s ability to replicate real world conditions in order to more easily study it, however, for by doing so we may compromise the very qualities that comprise its effectiveness. What is really needed are more robust tools to instrument, organize, and visualize the complex data generated by measurements of participant experiences in a realistic virtual world. We describe here our first study in an ongoing program of effective virtual environment research, the types of data we are dealing with, and a specific tool we have been compelled to create that allows us some measure of control over this data. We call this tool Phloem, after the botanical channels that plants use to transport, support and store nutrients.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Worlds},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
While achieving realism has been a main goal in making convincing virtual reality (VR) environments, just what constitutes realism is still a question situated firmly in the research domain. VR has become mature enough to be used in therapeutic applications such as clinical exposure therapy with some success. We now need detailed scientific investigations to better understand why VR works for these types of cases, and how it could work for other key applications such as training. Just as in real life, it appears that the factors will be complex and multi-variate, and this plethoric situation presents exceptional challenges to the VR researcher. We would not want to lessen VR’s ability to replicate real world conditions in order to more easily study it, however, for by doing so we may compromise the very qualities that comprise its effectiveness. What is really needed are more robust tools to instrument, organize, and visualize the complex data generated by measurements of participant experiences in a realistic virtual world. We describe here our first study in an ongoing program of effective virtual environment research, the types of data we are dealing with, and a specific tool we have been compelled to create that allows us some measure of control over this data. We call this tool Phloem, after the botanical channels that plants use to transport, support and store nutrients.
Rizzo, Albert; Kim, Gerard J.; Yeh, Shih-Ching; Thiebaux, Marcus; Hwang, Jayne; Buckwalter, John Galen
Development of a Benchmarking Scenario for Testing 3D User Interface Devices and Interaction Methods Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction, Las Vegas, NV, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@inproceedings{rizzo_development_2005,
title = {Development of a Benchmarking Scenario for Testing 3D User Interface Devices and Interaction Methods},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Gerard J. Kim and Shih-Ching Yeh and Marcus Thiebaux and Jayne Hwang and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20Benchmarking%20Scenario%20for%20Testing%203D%20User%20Interface%20Devices%20and%20Interaction%20Methods.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-07-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human Computer Interaction},
address = {Las Vegas, NV},
abstract = {To address a part of the challenge of testing and comparing various 3D user interface devices and methods, we are currently developing and testing a VR 3D User Interface benchmarking scenario. The approach outlined in this paper focuses on the capture of human interaction performance on object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable block configurations that allow for measurement of speed and efficiency with any interaction device or method. The block configurations that we are using as benchmarking stimuli are accompanied by a pure mental rotation visuospatial assessment test. This feature will allow researchers to test usersX existing spatial abilities and statistically parcel out the variability due to innate ability, from the actual hands-on performance metrics. This statistical approach could lead to a more pure analysis of the ergonomic features of interaction devices and methods separate from existing user abilities. An initial test was conducted at two sites using this benchmarking system to make comparisons between 3D/gesture-based and 2D/mouse-based interactions for 3D selection and manipulation. Our preliminary results demonstrated, as expected, that the 3D/gesture based method in general outperformed the 2D/mouse interface. As well there were statistically significant performance differences between different user groups when categorized by their sex, visuospatial ability and educational background.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
To address a part of the challenge of testing and comparing various 3D user interface devices and methods, we are currently developing and testing a VR 3D User Interface benchmarking scenario. The approach outlined in this paper focuses on the capture of human interaction performance on object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable block configurations that allow for measurement of speed and efficiency with any interaction device or method. The block configurations that we are using as benchmarking stimuli are accompanied by a pure mental rotation visuospatial assessment test. This feature will allow researchers to test usersX existing spatial abilities and statistically parcel out the variability due to innate ability, from the actual hands-on performance metrics. This statistical approach could lead to a more pure analysis of the ergonomic features of interaction devices and methods separate from existing user abilities. An initial test was conducted at two sites using this benchmarking system to make comparisons between 3D/gesture-based and 2D/mouse-based interactions for 3D selection and manipulation. Our preliminary results demonstrated, as expected, that the 3D/gesture based method in general outperformed the 2D/mouse interface. As well there were statistically significant performance differences between different user groups when categorized by their sex, visuospatial ability and educational background.
Alpaslan, Z. Y.; Yeh, S. -C.; Rizzo, Albert; Sawchuk, Alexander A.
Quantitative Comparison of Interaction with Shutter Glasses and Autostereoscopic Displays Proceedings Article
In: Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XII Symposium, San Jose, CA, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@inproceedings{alpaslan_quantitative_2005,
title = {Quantitative Comparison of Interaction with Shutter Glasses and Autostereoscopic Displays},
author = {Z. Y. Alpaslan and S. -C. Yeh and Albert Rizzo and Alexander A. Sawchuk},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Quantitative%20Comparison%20of%20Interaction%20with%20Shutter%20Glasses%20and%20Autostereoscopic%20Displays.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XII Symposium},
address = {San Jose, CA},
abstract = {In this paper we describe experimental measurements and comparison of human interaction with three different types of stereo computer displays. We compare traditional shutter glasses-based viewing with three-dimensional (3D) autostereoscopic viewing on displays such as the Sharp LL-151-3D display and StereoGraphics SG 202 display. The method of interaction is a sphere-shaped "cyberprop" containing an Ascension Flock-of-Birds tracker that allows a user to manipulate objects by imparting the motion of the sphere to the virtual object. The tracking data is processed with OpenGL to manipulate objects in virtual 3D space, from which we synthesize two or more images as seen by virtual cameras observing them. We concentrate on the quantitative measurement and analysis of human performance for interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable configurations of 3D block objects. The experiments use a series of progressively more complex block configurations that are rendered in stereo on various 3D displays. In general, performing the tasks using shutter glasses required less time as compared to using the autostereoscopic displays. While both male and female subjects performed almost equally fast with shutter glasses, male subjects performed better with the LL-151-3D display, while female subjects performed better with the SG202 display. Interestingly, users generally had a slightly higher efficiency in completing a task set using the two autostereoscopic displays as compared to the shutter glasses, although the differences for all users among the displays was relatively small. There was a preference for shutter glasses compared to autostereoscopic displays in the ease of performing tasks, and glasses were slightly preferred for overall image quality and stereo image quality. However, there was little difference in display preference in physical comfort and overall preference. We present some possible explanations of these results and point out the importance of the autostereoscopic "sweet spot" in relation to the user's head and body position.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
In this paper we describe experimental measurements and comparison of human interaction with three different types of stereo computer displays. We compare traditional shutter glasses-based viewing with three-dimensional (3D) autostereoscopic viewing on displays such as the Sharp LL-151-3D display and StereoGraphics SG 202 display. The method of interaction is a sphere-shaped "cyberprop" containing an Ascension Flock-of-Birds tracker that allows a user to manipulate objects by imparting the motion of the sphere to the virtual object. The tracking data is processed with OpenGL to manipulate objects in virtual 3D space, from which we synthesize two or more images as seen by virtual cameras observing them. We concentrate on the quantitative measurement and analysis of human performance for interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standardized and scalable configurations of 3D block objects. The experiments use a series of progressively more complex block configurations that are rendered in stereo on various 3D displays. In general, performing the tasks using shutter glasses required less time as compared to using the autostereoscopic displays. While both male and female subjects performed almost equally fast with shutter glasses, male subjects performed better with the LL-151-3D display, while female subjects performed better with the SG202 display. Interestingly, users generally had a slightly higher efficiency in completing a task set using the two autostereoscopic displays as compared to the shutter glasses, although the differences for all users among the displays was relatively small. There was a preference for shutter glasses compared to autostereoscopic displays in the ease of performing tasks, and glasses were slightly preferred for overall image quality and stereo image quality. However, there was little difference in display preference in physical comfort and overall preference. We present some possible explanations of these results and point out the importance of the autostereoscopic "sweet spot" in relation to the user's head and body position.
Rizzo, Albert; Pair, Jarrell; McNerney, Peter J.; Eastlund, Ernie; Manson, Brian; Gratch, Jonathan; Hill, Randall W.; Swartout, William
Development of a VR Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with PTSD Book Section
In: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol. 111, no. 13, pp. 407+413, 13th Annual Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference, Long Beach, CA, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans
@incollection{rizzo_development_2005-1,
title = {Development of a VR Therapy Application for Iraq War Military Personnel with PTSD},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jarrell Pair and Peter J. McNerney and Ernie Eastlund and Brian Manson and Jonathan Gratch and Randall W. Hill and William Swartout},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Development%20of%20a%20VR%20Therapy%20Application%20for%20Iraq%20War%20Veterans%20with%20PTSD.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Studies in Health Technology and Informatics},
volume = {111},
number = {13},
pages = {407+413},
address = {13th Annual Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference, Long Beach, CA},
series = {Medicine Meets Virtual Reality},
abstract = {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 returning Iraq War military personnel are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure therapy has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of an Iraq War PTSD VR application that is being created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for theX-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior which was inspired by a combat tactical training simulation, Full Spectrum Command.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is reported to be caused by traumatic events that are outside the range of usual human experiences including (but not limited to) military combat, violent personal assault, being kidnapped or taken hostage and terrorist attacks. Initial data suggests that 1 out of 6 returning Iraq War military personnel are exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Virtual Reality (VR) exposure therapy has been used in previous treatments of PTSD patients with reports of positive outcomes. The aim of the current paper is to specify the rationale, design and development of an Iraq War PTSD VR application that is being created from the virtual assets that were initially developed for theX-Box game entitled Full Spectrum Warrior which was inspired by a combat tactical training simulation, Full Spectrum Command.
Parsons, Thomas D.; Rizzo, Albert; Zaag, Cheryl; McGee, Jocelyn; Buckwalter, John Galen
Gender Differences and Cognition Among Older Adults Journal Article
In: Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, vol. 12, pp. 78–88, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{parsons_gender_2005,
title = {Gender Differences and Cognition Among Older Adults},
author = {Thomas D. Parsons and Albert Rizzo and Cheryl Zaag and Jocelyn McGee and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Gender%20Differences%20and%20Cognition%20Among%20Older%20Adults.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition},
volume = {12},
pages = {78–88},
abstract = {The more replicated findings about gender difference in cognitive performance suggest female superiority on visuomotor speed and language ability and male superiority on mechanical and visuospatial tasks. Generally, group strengths found in the early school years become more established at adolescence and remain stable through adulthood. The current study tested whether the patterns established in the early years remained among 30 adult subjects. We also utilized a series of exploratory analyses to determine if observed gender differences were impacted by the covariance present between all cognitive tests. Results suggest that although the patterns established in the early years remain stable through time for males, the established patterns for females are altered with age. Our findings are compelling in supporting a male advantage on visuospatial tasks among older adults. These findings are discussed in terms of common variance between test instruments as a possible source of difference. Our finding that the gender effect tended to increase when common variance was controlled argues that this methodology may enhance the ability to detect domain specific effects.},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The more replicated findings about gender difference in cognitive performance suggest female superiority on visuomotor speed and language ability and male superiority on mechanical and visuospatial tasks. Generally, group strengths found in the early school years become more established at adolescence and remain stable through adulthood. The current study tested whether the patterns established in the early years remained among 30 adult subjects. We also utilized a series of exploratory analyses to determine if observed gender differences were impacted by the covariance present between all cognitive tests. Results suggest that although the patterns established in the early years remain stable through time for males, the established patterns for females are altered with age. Our findings are compelling in supporting a male advantage on visuospatial tasks among older adults. These findings are discussed in terms of common variance between test instruments as a possible source of difference. Our finding that the gender effect tended to increase when common variance was controlled argues that this methodology may enhance the ability to detect domain specific effects.
Robertson, R. Kevin; Mielke, Jens; Appiah, Kuku; Hall, Colin D.; Price, Richard W.; Kumwenda, Johnstone; Kanyama, Cecelia; Amod, Farida; Marra, Christina; Taylor, Terrie; Lalloo, Umesh; Jelsma, Jennifer; Holding, Penny; Boivin, Michael; Birbeck, Gretchen; Nakasujja, Noeline; Sanne, Ian; Parsons, Thomas D.; Parente, Amanda; Tucker, Karen A.
Assessment of neuroAIDS in Africa Journal Article
In: Journal of NeuroVirology, vol. 11, no. S1, pp. 7–16, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR
@article{robertson_assessment_2005,
title = {Assessment of neuroAIDS in Africa},
author = {R. Kevin Robertson and Jens Mielke and Kuku Appiah and Colin D. Hall and Richard W. Price and Johnstone Kumwenda and Cecelia Kanyama and Farida Amod and Christina Marra and Terrie Taylor and Umesh Lalloo and Jennifer Jelsma and Penny Holding and Michael Boivin and Gretchen Birbeck and Noeline Nakasujja and Ian Sanne and Thomas D. Parsons and Amanda Parente and Karen A. Tucker},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Assessment%20of%20neuroAIDS%20in%20Africa.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Journal of NeuroVirology},
volume = {11},
number = {S1},
pages = {7–16},
abstract = {In June of 2004, the Center for AIDS Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a conference on the Assessment of NeuroAIDS in Africa, which was held in Blantrye, Malawai. The conference presentations summarized here highlight the need for research on NeuroAIDS in Africa and methods for assessing HIV-related neurological diseases (Robertson, 2004).},
keywords = {MedVR},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In June of 2004, the Center for AIDS Mental Health Research, National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a conference on the Assessment of NeuroAIDS in Africa, which was held in Blantrye, Malawai. The conference presentations summarized here highlight the need for research on NeuroAIDS in Africa and methods for assessing HIV-related neurological diseases (Robertson, 2004).
Rizzo, Albert; Morie, Jacquelyn; Williams, Josh; Pair, Jarrell; Buckwalter, John Galen
Human Emotional State and its Relevance for Military VR Training Proceedings Article
In: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Las Vegas, NV, 2005.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: MedVR, Virtual Humans, Virtual Worlds
@inproceedings{rizzo_human_2005,
title = {Human Emotional State and its Relevance for Military VR Training},
author = {Albert Rizzo and Jacquelyn Morie and Josh Williams and Jarrell Pair and John Galen Buckwalter},
url = {http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Human%20Emotional%20State%20and%20its%20Relevance%20for%20Military%20VR%20Training.pdf},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction},
address = {Las Vegas, NV},
abstract = {Combat environments by their nature can produce a dramatic range of emotional responses in military personnel. When immersed in the emotional "fog of war," the potential exists for optimal human decision-making and performance of goal-directed activities to be seriously compromised. This may be especially true when combat training is conducted under conditions that lack emotional engagement by the soldier. Real world military training often naturally includes stress induction that aims to promote a similarity of internal emotional stimulus cues with what is expected to be present on the battlefield. This approach to facilitating optimal training effectiveness is supported by a long history of learning theory research. Current Virtual Reality military training approaches are noteworthy in their emphasis on creating hi-fidelity graphic and audio realism with the aim to foster better transfer of training. However, less emphasis is typically placed on the creation of emotionally evocative virtual training scenarios that can induce emotional stress in a manner similar to what is typically experienced under real world training conditions. As well, emotional issues in the post-combat aftermath need to be addressed, as can be seen in the devastating emotional difficulties that occur in some military personnel following combat. This is evidenced by the number of recent medical reports that suggest the incidence of "Vietnam-levels" of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptomatology in returning military personnel from the Iraq conflict. In view of these issues, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) has initiated a research program to study emotional issues that are relevant to VR military applications. This paper will present the rationale and status of two ongoing VR research programs at the ICT that address sharply contrasting ends of the emotional spectrum relevant to the military: 1. The Sensory Environments Evaluation (SEE) Project is examining basic factors that underlie emotion as it occurs within VR training environments and how this could impact transfer of training, and 2. The Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Project which is currently in the process of converting the existing FSW combat tactical simulation training scenario (and X-Box game) into a VR treatment system for the conduct of graduated exposure therapy in Iraq war military personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.},
keywords = {MedVR, Virtual Humans, Virtual Worlds},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
Combat environments by their nature can produce a dramatic range of emotional responses in military personnel. When immersed in the emotional "fog of war," the potential exists for optimal human decision-making and performance of goal-directed activities to be seriously compromised. This may be especially true when combat training is conducted under conditions that lack emotional engagement by the soldier. Real world military training often naturally includes stress induction that aims to promote a similarity of internal emotional stimulus cues with what is expected to be present on the battlefield. This approach to facilitating optimal training effectiveness is supported by a long history of learning theory research. Current Virtual Reality military training approaches are noteworthy in their emphasis on creating hi-fidelity graphic and audio realism with the aim to foster better transfer of training. However, less emphasis is typically placed on the creation of emotionally evocative virtual training scenarios that can induce emotional stress in a manner similar to what is typically experienced under real world training conditions. As well, emotional issues in the post-combat aftermath need to be addressed, as can be seen in the devastating emotional difficulties that occur in some military personnel following combat. This is evidenced by the number of recent medical reports that suggest the incidence of "Vietnam-levels" of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptomatology in returning military personnel from the Iraq conflict. In view of these issues, the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) has initiated a research program to study emotional issues that are relevant to VR military applications. This paper will present the rationale and status of two ongoing VR research programs at the ICT that address sharply contrasting ends of the emotional spectrum relevant to the military: 1. The Sensory Environments Evaluation (SEE) Project is examining basic factors that underlie emotion as it occurs within VR training environments and how this could impact transfer of training, and 2. The Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Project which is currently in the process of converting the existing FSW combat tactical simulation training scenario (and X-Box game) into a VR treatment system for the conduct of graduated exposure therapy in Iraq war military personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.