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Research Article  |   September 2009
Dynamic Assessment and Prediction of Learning Potential in Clients With Unilateral Neglect
Joan Toglia; Sharon A. Cermak
Author Affiliations
  • Joan Toglia, PhD, OTR/L, is Professor and Program Director, Mercy College Graduate Occupational Therapy Program, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522; jtoglia@mercy.edu
  • Sharon A. Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Stroke / Instrument Development and Testing
Research Article   |   September 2009
Dynamic Assessment and Prediction of Learning Potential in Clients With Unilateral Neglect
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2009, Vol. 63, 569-579. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.5.569
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2009, Vol. 63, 569-579. doi:10.5014/ajot.63.5.569
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the application of dynamic assessment in examining learning potential for adults with right hemisphere stroke and unilateral neglect.

METHODS. Forty adults with right cerebrovascular accident were randomly assigned to a control or dynamic group. Both groups were administered standard pretests and posttests of unilateral neglect. The dynamic group received cues, strategy training, and feedback during an object search task.

RESULTS. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated significant differences between groups on the object search task, with reduced unilateral neglect in the dynamic group. Greater initiation of left-sided search, strategy use, and near and intermediate transfer of learning were observed in the dynamic group.

CONCLUSIONS. The brief dynamic assessment, developed for this study, provided an opportunity to observe the client's ability to incorporate strategy training and feedback across visual search tasks. This assessment approach has the potential to characterize learning profiles and to guide intervention decisions.