Our main focus of research is the neuropsychology of human spatial navigation. We integrate fundamental studies with clinical observations and novel technological tools.
Navigation ability
People show enormous variation in their navigation skills; we all know examples of people who always get lost and those who seem to be a walking compass. As navigation ability consists of multiple different skills (e.g. landmark memory, creating mental maps, perspective taking) it is of importance to include a wide variety of measures to accurately study navigation ability. In large-scale individual differences studies we aim to identify and classify the factors involved in the construct of navigation ability. In particular, we focus on the role of temporal processes in navigation.
Navigation impairment
Navigation impairment can substantially affect daily functioning, resulting in lower quality of life. We have found that around 30% of mild stroke patients have problems navigating. Even though this concerns a large patient population, both in absolute and relative sense, there are no standardized tools available to diagnose or treat these problems. We combine our theoretical knowledge with clinical expertise to develop such diagnostic and treatment tools. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of navigation impairment is essential for this development.
Navigation training
As navigation impairment is found in many neuropsychological patients, we are currently developing a training program. In this theory-based program we have identified different navigation strategies and exercises to enhance the use of these strategies, matching the user’s needs. With IJsfontein, one of the Netherlands’ leading serious game developers, we have made the first version of a game combining psycho-education and tailor-made cognitive exercises. Interactive virtual reality environments are an essential feature of this game.
Neuropsychological testing of spatial cognition
Over the years we have noticed that the need to update standardized neuropsychological tools exceeds the area of spatial navigation. Also other measures of spatial cognition are in need of modernization. In such studies we aim to not only simply ‘digitize’ existing tools, but to explore the additional benefits those digital options provide, such as a much more fine grained response registration.
Grants
Currently, the Navigation Lab is funded by an NWO Veni Innovational Research Incentives Scheme and an STW Take off grant.
Previous funding: NWO Added Value grant and a grant provided by the Dutch Rehabilitation Fund
Collaborations
TU Delft, Department of Computer Graphics and Visualization
Rehabilitation Centre De Hoogstraat
UMCU, Departments of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine
Navigation Lab Leiden 