Abstract
In this article, we present the results of a pilot study to examine the driving performance of persons with brain injury using virtual reality (VR) technology. A total of 28 adult persons with a brain injury (22 males, 6 females) participated in a standardized driving evaluation, which included a VR driving environment, known as the DriVR. Concurrent validity of the DriVR was examined by comparing DriVR measures to other indicators of driving ability, which consisted of on-road, cognitive and visual-perceptual, and driving video tests. Statistically significant DriVR inter-correlations using the Bonferroni correction were found between following a pace car (Follow Traffic Event), and correctly parking a car (Driveway Choice Event) (r pb = - .65, p< .003), as well as for two measures of lane tracking (Shop Road and Opposite Road), (r = .98, p< .003). The DriVR appeared to be a useful adjunctive screening tool for assessing driving performance in persons with brain injury. However, as with any new assessment and intervention tool, it will need to undergo further empirical validation.
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