New technologies in assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation

Abstract

There is increasing use of technological innovations in assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation in research and clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review is to present what and how new technologies has been historically embedded in clinical and experimental neuropsychology, with a demonstrated academic production increased in the last 10 years. The literature presents that neuropsychological assessment highlights the use of computerized versions of instruments which traditionally are used in pencil and paper; cognitive simulations, artificial intelligence, and problem solving tasks. However, computerized tests are the most established technologies in this field. Further, a considerable part of the studies are performed in adults and elderly people, but few validations in children. In rehabilitation, the use of new technologies is more diversified, such as electronic devices and cell phones, tablet computers, video games, virtual reality, robots, and videofeedback neurofeedback, transcranial direct current stimulation, among others. In neuropsychological rehabilitation, the new technologies have facilitated the development of compensatory strategies and real-world simulations. From this review we discuss the new possibilities of technological interfaces in neuropsychology, as well the need for development and validation of computerized batteries and more dynamic and versatile rehabilitation protocols.