A New Virtual Reality Environment to Improve Attention and VisuoSpatial Ability in Schizophrenic Patients

Cognitive impairment is a common feature of schizophrenia, particularly affecting attention, memory, and executive functions. Early identification and remediation of cognitive impairments can enhance outcomes and well-being. This study investigates the efficacy and specificity of a novel training program based on a Virtual Reality environment aimed at remediating visuospatial memory, focused and sustained attention, working memory, and reasoning skills. Twenty-eight individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and allocated to either an experimental group and a control group. Pre-and post-intervention assessments measured cognitive performance. Results suggest that VR-based cognitive training offers a promising, immersive approach to cognitive rehabilitation.