ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between the basic perceptual-cognitive function and driving aptitude after a brain injury, and to suggest the importance of the cognitive perception of training to improve driving skills. Methods : From January to September 2011, 31 brain injury patients were referred to a driving clinic at the National Rehabilitation Center. All participants were evaluated using a virtual driving simulator driving assessment, K-MMSE (Korean version-Mini Mental State Examination), and MVPT (Motor-free Visual Perception Test). Results : The total K-MMSE score showed correlations with the reaction time and steering wheel and pedal operation ability in terms of driving aptitude. In addition, the total MVPT score showed correlations with judgment, and steering wheel and pedal operation ability, in terms of driving aptitude. Conclusion : This study found that basic perceptual-cognitive function influences the driving aptitude and driving performance, and suggests the importance of perceptual-cognitive training for driving. Also, the results of this study imply that we need a cognitive-perceptual assessment tool and cognitive-perceptual training program for driving as a specialized area in domestic cognitive-rehabilitation clinics.