Learning and Long-Term Retention of Task-Specific Training in a Non-injured Population Using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)

Task-specific training in virtual environments (VEs) can provide practice for skills that are transferred to real-world settings. The present study examined skill acquisition and retention of a non-injured population performing a sensorimotor navigation task in the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN). Seventeen subjects participated twice weekly for 6 weeks, with follow-up visits at 3-month intervals for one year. Subjects performed a navigation task, where they drove a virtual boat through a scene using weight shifting and body movement. Subjects improved over time on all outcome measures. A significant effect was observed for visit number on total score, time to complete the task, number of buoys navigated successfully, and number of penalties incurred. No differences were observed between the last training visit and any follow-up visit. Task-specific training in immersive VEs may be effective for warfighter operational skills training and rehabilitation of wounded warriors, by utilizing tasks that lead to long-term retention.