VR运动-认知双任务训练对低空间能力者空间视觉化能力的影响：来自行为和fNIRS的证据
The Impact of Virtual Reality Motor–Cognitive Dual-Task Training on Individuals with Poor Spatial Visualization Ability: Evidence from Behavioral and fNIRS Studies
摘要
空间视觉化能力是空间认知的核心成分。整合身体活动与认知加工的新型干预为提升该能力提供了新方向。本研究旨在探讨虚拟现实(Virtual Reality, VR)运动−认知双任务训练, 对低空间能力者空间视觉化能力的促进效果及神经可塑性机制。筛选120名低空间能力大学生, 随机分为VR运动−认知双任务组、VR运动组、VR认知组以及对照组, 进行8周干预。采用空间视觉化任务评估行为表现, 利用功能性近红外光谱技术(Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, fNIRS)记录干预前后前额叶−顶叶网络激活变化, 并基于随机森林机器学习模型解析神经模式的区分性特征。结果表明, 干预后VR运动−认知双任务组空间视觉化行为表现和神经效率上均显著优于其他组别, 表现为左侧额极区(Left Frontopolar Area, L-FPA)和右侧初级运动皮层(Right Primary Motor Cortex, R-M1)激活水平显著降低, 提示其认知加工神经效率得到优化。机器学习模型进一步验证，VR运动−认知双任务组的神经活动模式与对照组高度可分，其中 L-FPA 与 R-M1 的活动变化量为最具判别力的特征。VR运动−认知双任务训练可通过协同优化认知控制系统与感觉运动系统的神经效能, 显著提升低空间能力者的空间视觉化能力, 研究为“身体−认知整合”理论提供了多层面证据, 并为以神经标志物为指标的精准干预范式奠定了方法基础。
Abstract
Spatial visualization is a core component of spatial cognition. Compared with traditional cognitive training, novel interventions that integrate physical activity with cognitive processing offer new directions for enhancing special visualization, particularly for individuals with poor spatial ability. However, there is currently a lack of behavioral and neural evidence empirically assessing the effectiveness of these interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the facilitative effects and neuroplasticity mechanisms of virtual reality (VR)-based motorcognitive dual-task training on the spatial visualization ability of individuals with poor spatial ability. A two-factor mixed experimental design was adopted with four groups (VR motor-cognitive dual-task, VR motor, VR cognitive, control) and two time points (pre- and post-intervention). Using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD), 120 college students with poor spatial ability (SBSOD < 3) were screened and randomly assigned to one of the four groups (n = 30 each). All intervention groups underwent an 8-week training program. Spatial visualization ability was measured using a mental rotation task, while functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to record changes in prefrontalparietal network activation before and after the intervention. A random forest machine learning model was then applied to identify the discriminative features of the neural patterns. The key findings were as follows: (1) At the behavioral level, the VR dual-task group significantly outperformed the other three groups on post-test measurements of spatial visualization. No significant difference was observed between the two single-task training groups, but both performed significantly better than the control group. (2) At the neural level, the VR dual-task group exhibited the highest neural efficiency, with significantly lower activation levels in the left frontopolar area (L-FPA) and right primary motor cortex (R-M1) after the intervention compared with the other three groups. Those in the dual-task group also showed the greatest reduction in activation from pre- to post-test. In contrast, although the right frontopolar area showed significantly lower activation in all three intervention groups relative to the control group, no significant differences were observed among the three intervention groups. (3) The machine learning model further validated that the neural activity patterns of the VR motorcognitive dual-task group were highly separable from those of the control group. Changes in R-M1 and L-FPA activity were the most discriminative features. In conclusion, VR-based motorcognitive dual-task training can significantly improve spatial visualization ability in individuals with poor spatial ability by synergistically optimizing neural efficiency in the prefrontal and motor cortices. This study provides multimodal evidence for the bodycognition integration theory and establishes a methodological foundation for precision intervention paradigms based on neural markers.关键词
虚拟现实/运动-认知双任务训练/低空间能力/空间视觉化/fNIRS/机器学习Key words
virtual reality/motor–cognitive dual-task training/poor spatial ability/spatial visualization/fNIRS/machine learning引用本文复制引用
刘阳,胡芳芳,孙浩.VR运动-认知双任务训练对低空间能力者空间视觉化能力的影响：来自行为和fNIRS的证据[EB/OL].(2026-06-07)[2026-06-10].https://chinaxiv.org/abs/202604.00327.学科分类
生物科学研究方法、生物科学研究技术/计算技术、计算机技术
