A Culturally Embedded Augmented Reality Task as a Neurocognitive Biomarker of Executive Function in Schizophrenia
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Background
Executive function (EF) deficits are central features of schizophrenia and strongly influence long-term functional outcomes. Conventional cognitive assessments often lack ecological validity and cultural relevance.
Aim
This study introduces the Luk Chup Augmented Reality (LCAR) tool—a video-guided, clay modeling task delivered through wearable AR—that integrates culturally familiar activity with real-time neurophysiological monitoring.
Methods
Thirty individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (mean age = 38.9 ± 7.15 years) completed a series of modeling and memory tasks using LCAR while undergoing quantitative EEG (QEEG). Task duration and theta/beta power were analyzed across procedural and color-shape memory phases.
Results
Memory phases took significantly longer to complete and were associated with decreased lateral prefrontal theta and increased frontal-midline theta activity (Fz, Cz), indicating higher EF demand. A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant condition, site, and interaction effects on theta power.
Conclusion
The LCAR tool shows promise as a culturally grounded, dual-mode assessment of EF in schizophrenia. It offers a novel integration of performance-based and neurophysiological metrics that may inform future interventions in psychiatric rehabilitation.
