studi e ricerche

Effects of virtual reality-based cognitive training in older adults living without and with mild dementia: a pretest–posttest design pilot study

Objective Modern technologies are increasingly used in the development of cognitive interventions for older adults. Research into possible applications of virtual reality in such interventions has begun only recently. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 sessions of VR-based cognitive training using the GRADYS game in healthy older adults (n = 72; aged 60–88) and older adults living with mild dementia (n = 27; aged 60–89). Results Older adults with mild dementia demonstrated worse baseline cognitive performance than participants without dementia. Both groups showed progress in training, which was greater in healthy older adults. There were also significant differences

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27 Novembre 2019

Le nuove tecnologie possono supportare la comunicazione di persone autistiche? Esempi applicativi – Parte 2

Le nuove Tecnologie dell’Informazione e della Comunicazione promuovono la capacità di anticipazione e la strutturazione del tempo nelle persone autistiche. Diversi sono i progetti nati per assistere e compensare le difficoltà che possono presentare le persone con una sindrome dello spettro autistico. Le Tecnologie dell’Informazione e della Comunicazione (TIC) promuovono la capacità di anticipazione e la strutturazione del tempo e delle attività.

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12 Ottobre 2019

Le nuove tecnologie possono supportare la comunicazione di persone autistiche? – Parte 1

Comunicare può sembrare una questione banale, ma per una persona autistica non è così. Le nuove tecnologie informatiche vanno incontro ai loro bisogni Se comunicare può sembrare una questione banale, in cui è naturale sentirsi padroni della situazione ed essere in grado di stabilire come andranno i rapporti con il nostro interlocutore, per una persona autistica non è così, a causa della difficoltà nell’entrare in contatto con gli altri. Tra gli strumenti in grado di andare incontro ai bisogni di prevedibilità, concretezza e stabilità, stanno riscontrando risultati positivi e una sempre maggiore diffusione le tecnologie informatiche.

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11 Ottobre 2019

Instructional Videomodeling to Teach Mothers of Children with Autism to Implement Discrete Trials: A Systematic Replication

Abstract The high number of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s (ASD) cases determines a great need for specialized service for this population. This is particularly critical, considering the intensity required according to the specialized literature. Parental training may be an affordable alternative to provide this intervention with a high integrity and less costs, and tools such as videomodeling may facilitate the efficiency of such training procedures. This work aimed to evaluate, with strict experimental control, the efficiency of instructional videomodeling while training parents of children with ASD to implement Discrete Trial Instruction. Three mother-child dyads participated: Beatriz (27 years) and Luan (3

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14 Settembre 2019

Virtual reality among the elderly: a usefulness and acceptance study from Taiwan

Virtual reality (VR) has several applications in the medical domain and also generates a secure environment to carry out activities. Evaluation of the effectiveness of VR among older populations revealed positive effects of VR as a tool to reduce risks of falls and also improve the social and emotional well-being of older adults. The decline in physical and mental health, the loss of functional capabilities, and a weakening of social ties represent obstacles towards active aging among older adults and indicate a need for support. Existing research focused on the effects of VR among older populations, and its uses and

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19 Agosto 2019

La funzione del training cognitivo nello sport

Training cognitivo: quali sono le funzioni cognitive su cui agisce e come può essere utile per migliorare la pratica sportiva Negli ultimi anni lo studio delle funzioni cognitive e del loro incremento, attraverso il training cognitivo, ha ricevuto una particolare attenzione, non solo in campo clinico, ma anche in altri campi applicativi. L’obiettivo che il training cognitivo si pone è quello di migliorare le funzioni cognitive attraverso degli esercizi mirati, che frequentemente utilizzano le tecnologie informatiche. Il training cognitivo dimostra la sua validità anche nel contesto sportivo, in quanto migliora la flessibilità di risposta cognitiva, incrementa i processi attentivi e potenzia la velocità di esecuzione delle performance.

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9 Gennaio 2019

The Potential Role for Cognitive Training in Sport: More Research Needed

Sports performance at the highest level requires a wealth of cognitive functions such as attention, decision making, and working memory to be functioning at optimal levels in stressful and demanding environments. Whilst a substantial research base exists focusing on psychological skills for performance (e.g., imagery) or therapeutic techniques for emotion regulation (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), there is a scarcity of research examining whether the enhancement of core cognitive abilities leads to improved performance in sport. Cognitive training is a highly researched method of enhancing cognitive skills through repetitive and targeted exercises. In this article, we outline the potential use of

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3 Luglio 2018

Impact of Virtual Reality (VR) Experience on Older Adults’ Well-Being

Aging often leads to decreased social engagement. While technology has the potential to improve the quality of life among older adults, not much is known about effects of new technologies, including virtual reality (VR) applications, on their well-being. This paper reports on a field study conducted with older adults in assisted living communities to understand how use of a VR system may contribute to their emotional and social well-being. During the study, a two-week intervention was done with an experimental group that used a VR system to view contents related to travel and relaxation, and a control group that used

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1 Giugno 2018

The Effects of Videomodeling on Fundamental Motor Skill Performance of Middle School Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Proficiency in fundamental motor skills (FMS) is important for the health and overall development of children. Using a multiple-baseline-across-participants single-subject design, this study provided preliminary data on the effectiveness of videomodeling (VM) displayed via an iPad on the acquisition and maintenance of the standing long jump (SLJ) by six middle school children with moderate intellectual disabilities (ID). The study also explored whether the participant’s initial gross-motor development and off-task behaviors while watching instructional videos affected the acquisition of SLJ. Results demonstrated an increase in the number of correctly performed SLJ critical elements during the implementation of VM for all participants

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26 Ottobre 2017

Biofeedback Training in Crisis Managers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Working in crisis environments represents a major challenge, especially for executive personnel engaged in directing disaster operations, i.e. crisis managers. Crisis management involves operating under conditions of extreme stress resulting, for instance, from high-level decision-making, principal responsibility for personnel, multitasking or working under conditions of risk and time pressure. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a newly developed biofeedback training procedure based on electrodermal activity, especially designed for the target group of crisis managers. The training comprised exercises promoting acquisition of control over sympathetic arousal under resting conditions and during exposure to visual, acoustic and cognitive stressors

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6 Giugno 2017

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