The Creation of V-STORE

The aim of the present paper is to present the application of an immersive virtual real- ity-based tool, V-STORE. V-STORE is currently employed as a part of a cognitive rehabilitation pro- gram based on a holistic and constructivist approach. V-STORE was designed for the rehabilitation of executive functions, and some of its features were drawn from popular neuropsychological proce- dures, such as the Tower of London Test and WCST. It allows patients to explore a virtual environ- ment (an internal goods store) in which each subject has to complete a sequence of tasks, ordered in six levels of increasing complexity (i.e., putting pieces of fruit into baskets according to an imparted disposition). Tasks are designed to stimulate executive functions, problem-solving, behavioral con- trol and programming, categorical abstraction, short-term memory, and attention. Most importantly, a series of distracting elements is added, aiming at generating time-pressure and eliciting manag- ing strategies, which become the first goal of the rehabilitative intervention.The examiner has full control of all variables in order to enhance usability and to increase the number of sessions that a single patient will be administered. Preliminary data about the experimental and clinical use of this tool are currently been collected at “Paolo VI” Rehabilitation Centre, mostly limited to small limited trials and single case experiences. Experimental validation of this kind of instrument is needed, not only re- garding its clinical efficacy, but also with regard to its usability.