Cite as:
Dauner R, Schuett S, Zihl J, 2009, "Training-induced changes of the oculomotor system: task-dependency or transfer effects?" Perception 38 ECVP Abstract Supplement, page 122

Training-induced changes of the oculomotor system: task-dependency or transfer effects?

R Dauner, S Schuett, J Zihl

About 70% of patients with homonymous visual field loss after postchiasmatic injury suffer from impaired visual scanning and reading. Spontaneous recovery or successful strategic adaptation occurs rarely. By systematic practice of compensatory oculomotor strategies, patients can regain efficient scanning and reading. However, it is still unclear whether there is transfer of oculomotor adaptation from scanning to reading, and vice versa, or whether training-induced changes to the visual system and thus oculomotor adaptation are task-dependent. By comparing the performance of twenty patients with homonymous hemianopia before and after systematic training of scanning and reading, we found significant improvements for both visual abilities, but no transfer. Thus, both visuo-cognitive abilities require specific training. We conclude that the oculomotor system is functionally specialized in a material-dependent, and, thus task-dependent way.

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