GENOA – A pioneering research initiative, SCRiCaViPS (Screening and rehabilitation of the visual field disorder with virtual reality in post-stroke patients), launched by the David Foundation Choice and the IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, is making strides in the early diagnosis and visual rehabilitation of stroke patients.

The study focuses on determining the prevalence of visual field defects in stroke patients and evaluating the effectiveness of early treatment using audiovisual multisensory stimulation. This innovative approach employs wearable virtual reality devices and interactive platforms to analyze the visual field at the patient’s bedside and stimulate the recovery of impaired visual functions.

The Scricavips protocol plans to enroll 300 patients over two years. Participants are assessed during the acute phase at the UOC Neurological Clinic and the UOC Neurology of the IRCCS Polyclinic hospital San Martino. Based on specific criteria, patients are then directed to a targeted rehabilitation program at the Chiossone Foundation, either as outpatients or under a post-acute residential arrangement.

The project utilizes advanced technologies, including the Vf2000 Neo viewer for bedside perimetry and the Of desk flexi system to deliver calibrated visual and acoustic stimulation, all under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.

Just over a month after the protocol’s approval and the establishment of clinical infrastructure, the project has achieved a significant milestone: the completion of the pilot phase with the first patient. A 91-year-old man, who suffered a stroke, successfully completed the evaluation and treatment cycle at the David Chiossone Foundation after being discharged from the San Martino hospital.

Expert Perspectives on Visual Rehabilitation

Professor Angelo Schenone, Principal Investigator and director of the Neurological Clinic of the IRCCS Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, and Dr. Massimo Del Sette, director of the UOC Neurology and the Stroke Center, emphasize the importance of this project, given the high incidence and often debilitating nature of visual deficits in stroke patients.

“Our belief is that being able to intervene early,with tools calibrated on the needs of the person,means strengthening their residual skills and promoting a real return to autonomy.”

Paola Cianciosis, health director of the David Chiossone Foundation, explains, “In this study, we assume that the use of a wearable device allows the evaluation of the loss of the visual field in patients affected by stroke during the acute phase. A follow-up assessment at the time of the patient’s leave, comparing those who undergo the audio-visual multisensory training with those who do not do it, will also allow to determine the effectiveness of visual rehabilitation in improving the loss of the visual field in patients affected by strokes.”

Professor Aldo vagge, scientific director of the David Chiossone Foundation, states, “With the Scricavips project, the Chiossone Foundation confirms its role as an avant-garde entity in scientific research and clinical experimentation. Innovation is not only a declared value, but a guiding principle that concretely directs our services and our strategic choices. in line with our mission, we continue to invest in research, training and new technologies, with the aim of being a national reference point for rehabilitation techniques aimed at people with complex visual disabilities and fragility.This study represents a virtuous example of collaboration between institutions and a decisive step towards an increasingly personalized rehabilitation, timely and based on scientific evidence.”

The Scricavips project, promoted by David Chiossone Foundation and coordinated by the UOC Neurological Clinic and the UOC Neurology of the IRCCS Polyclinic Hospital San martino, is supported by Fondazione Giovan battista baroni Ets and Banca d’Italia.