Verification of using virtual reality to evaluate deficiencies in cognitive function among patients with schizophrenia in the remission stage: a cross-sectional study

Bochao Huang,Weijuan Xu,Yaping Chen,Manli Huang,Bing Sun,Hailong Lyu,Yi Xu,Shangda Li,Jianbo Hu,Fen Pan,Jinkai Chen,Jianping Jiao

doi:10.1186/s12888-020-03029-6

Bochao Huang, Weijuan Xu + Show 10 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03029-6

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Journal: BMC Psychiatry	Publication Date: Jan 9, 2021
Citations: 9	License type: open-access

Affiliation: First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University

Abstract

BackgroundSchizophrenia is associated with widespread cognitive impairment. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is most frequently used to assess cognitive function. However, the MCCB test is time consuming for the clinician. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an adjunctive tool to overcome this limitation and provides a new means to assess cognitive function.MethodsThe present study examined the validity and safety of using VR technology to assess cognitive function in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia (SZs). The VR cognition training system (VRCTS) was used to simulate real-life supermarkets and assess cognitive function. Thirty-two SZs and 25 healthy controls (HCs) underwent VRCTS and MCCB assessments. An auxiliary diagnosis model was created based on the outcomes of the VRCTS to classify SZs and HCs by cognitive impairment.ResultsSignificant differences in completion time between the SZs and HCs were detected using the VRCTS. SZs spent more time completing tasks than HCs. The outcome of VRCTS significantly correlated with the MCCB. The auxiliary diagnosis model had a sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 88.89%.ConclusionsThese results support the use of VR technology in the assessment of cognitive impairment in Han Chinese schizophrenia patients.Trial registrationChina Clinical Trial Registry, ChiVTR1800016121. Registered 13 May 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=27233

Highlights

Schizophrenia is associated with widespread cognitive impairment
Recent studies showed that the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was applicable for first-episode schizophrenia and chronic schizophrenia [6], and investigations using the MCCB focused on different cognitive domains in Patients with schizophrenia (SZs)
Data from 3 of the 35 SZs were excluded because the participants could not finish the MCCB. 32 SZs and 25 healthy controls (HCs) completed the VR cognition training system (VRCTS) and the MCCB. 5 SZs and 4 HCs felt dizzy during the Virtual reality (VR) tasks, but they finished all tasks because the dizziness was tolerable

Summary

Introduction

Schizophrenia is associated with widespread cognitive impairment. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is most frequently used to assess cognitive function. Schizophrenia is a complex, heterogeneous behavioural and cognitive syndrome that is characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment [1, 2]. Patients with schizophrenia (SZs) exhibit diminished cognitive function, including reduced attention and memory, and difficulties with executive functioning [3]. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), which includes 10 different cognitive subtests, is an accepted standard for the measurement of cognitive change in schizophrenia, and it is recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia [4, 5]. It is necessary to find an easier and more attractive method to evaluate cognitive function

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