SmartFunction: Immersive VR System to Assess Executive Functions

Abstract

Attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral conditions seen in children and adolescents in the United States, characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. Our previous NSF-funded study developed a new assessment system called the Automated Test of Embodied Cognition (ATEC) that used cognitively demanding physical tasks to capture executive function in action. It proved to be a better predictor of children’s functioning than conventional testing. We now wish to leverage that work by developing a lowcost, easy-to-use virtual reality commercial system, called SF, to diagnose attention deficit and other EF deficits. Potential customers will be educators, counselors, experts in vocational rehabilitation, healthcare, families, and employers in different industries (transportation, manufacturing, services, and others).

Through our initial reviews we have identified several tasks of high importance. We are currently focusing our efforts on below mentioned tasks:

• Translation of ATEC into VR - Develop PTB and CYB tasks as VR tasks, User study to assess executive functions
• Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment Suite - Develop Virtual Classroom, BART+, Virtual Escape Room, Virtual Commute, and Virtual Stroop Test
• User Studies and Personalization - Generation of cognitive profile reports along with tailored recommendations for skill enhancement and training
• Study on Scalability and Commercialization Strategy

Research Team