A virtual reality tool for the assessment of the executive functions

Background: The limitations of traditional neuropsychological tests and several difficulties in administering tests in real-life scenarios have led to the increasing use of technological tools and virtual reality (VR) for the assessment of executive functions (EF) in real-life. VR enables the development of scenarios that, reproducing daily life situations, allows an ecologically valid evaluation of EF, guaranteeing rigorous control over key variables. Several studies have adopted a multimodal approach to integrate the EF assessment through the identification of new indices and non-verbal response using different devices such as eye trackers (ET) and electroencephalograms (EEG). Objective: The main aim of this study is to propose a protocol for assessing the EFs by using an innovative technology-based task, a new app that integrates EEG and an eye-tracker. Methods: Participants are subjected to a 15/20 minute evaluation with a new technological instrument involving innovative tasks for the assessment of EFs. Each subject explores a domestic virtual scenario aiming to get out of it as fast as possible, overcoming seven different steps of increasing complexity. Through the LooxidVR device, it is possible to receive information from the eye-tracker (e.g. saccadic movements, fixations) and EEG (electrical activity of prefrontal cortex) in addition to verbal responses. Expected results: This protocol allows evaluating several EFs (e.g., planning, problem-solving) through an innovative technology-based task. Moreover, this innovative tool facilitates the acquisition of non-verbal information regarding the executive functioning of the subjects. Conclusions: This innovative app, that integrates EEG and an eye-tracker, will provide clinicians with more information about executive functioning in a short time.