A validation of an ecologically oriented task of executive functions: the virtual kitchen

A virtual environment uses artificial stimuli effectively replacing the real ones. Thus, it can be an effective tool for the assessment of executive functions being strongly involved in daily life activities. The aim of this study is to develop a virtual environment and a virtual task which would be able to assess prospective memory, complex planning and action monitoring. Fourteen participants with dysexecutive dysfunctions and twenty matched control participants were asked to interact with a virtual kitchen. Participants were also administered the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome and a brief neuropsychological assessment. Results showed the sensitivity of the virtual kitchen task to detect executive functions deficits.. Execution time, type of errors and number of missing actions showed some peculiar difficulties in prospective memory, planning and monitoring behavior. Preliminary evidence from this study suggest that the virtual kitchen task may be an ecologically valid method for executive functions assessment. This task may be especially useful when the assessment needs are related to return to work or at home.