文章基本信息

标题：Exogenous attention generalizes location transfer of perceptual learning in adults with amblyopia
本地全文：下载
作者：Mariel Roberts ; Marisa Carrasco
期刊名称：iScience
印刷版ISSN：2589-0042
出版年度：2022
卷号：25
期号：3
页码：1-30
DOI：10.1016/j.isci.2022.103839
语种：English
出版社：Elsevier
摘要：SummaryVisual perceptual learning (VPL) is a behavioral manifestation of brain neuroplasticity. However, its practical effectiveness is limited because improvements are often specific to the trained conditions and require significant time and effort. It is critical to understand the conditions that promote learning and transfer. Covert endogenous (voluntary) and exogenous (involuntary) spatial attention help overcome VPL location specificity in neurotypical adults, but whether they also do so for people with atypical visual development is unknown. This study investigates the role of exogenous attention during VPL in adults with amblyopia, an ideal population given their asymmetrically developed, but highly plastic, visual cortex. Here we show that training on a discrimination task leads to improvements in foveal contrast sensitivity, acuity, and stereoacuity. Notably, exogenous attention helps generalize learning beyond trained spatial locations. Future large-scale studies can verify the extent to which attention enhances the effectiveness of perceptual learning during rehabilitation of visual disorders.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Contrast sensitivity (CS)-based VPL in amblyopes improves CS, acuity and stereoacuity•Similar improvement in trained amblyopic eye and untrained fellow eye•Exogenous spatial attention facilitates location transfer of VPL in amblyopic adultsBiological sciences; Neuroscience; Sensory neuroscience