Visual-spatial functions refer to the set of brain processes that enable us to represent space (the environment) in two or three dimensions. The processes required to achieve this include mental imagery and navigation, distance assessment and mentally imagining a physically absent object.

All these analyses are made possible by visuo-spatial cues.

What are visual-spatial cues?

Visuo-spatial cues are a function that enables us to assess the relative position of objects in the environment or in relation to ourselves. This function is extremely complex: it relies on elaborate oculomotor control, as well as visual-attentional and spatial abilities. It is essential for synthesizing elements into a meaningful whole, for discriminating objects and analyzing their relative positions, for evaluating the orientation of lines, and for performing mental rotations. It is also fundamental for orienting actions (grasping objects, etc.).

For example, we can walk without bumping into objects (furniture in the house, poles in the street…), because our brain is able to evaluate distances. Another example of this skill is the ability to catch a ball coming towards us by evaluating its trajectory in space.

Visual-spatial reference disorders

The visuo-spatial disorder disrupts the ability to locate elements in the environment in relation to one another. It also disrupts perception of position, and the orientation of elements in relation to the body axis, vertical axis and gravity.

For example, a dysfunction in visuo-spatial processing disrupts the comparison of shapes or spatial configurations, figure/ground discrimination, and understanding of right and left notions. More generally, visuo-spatial dysfunction can affect the acquisition, organization or use of visual spatial information.

A person with impaired visuo-spatial cues may therefore have difficulty orienting themselves in space, or assessing distances between objects. It can lead to a person bumping into furniture or people, or having difficulty grasping objects.

Exercises to train and improve visual-spatial cues

To train your visuo-spatial cues, you can imagine the route to a location (try to imagine the whole route, the environment you’re about to see or the street names).

Try estimating the distances between you and an object, for example, by estimating the number of steps you’d have to take to reach it. Or try closing your eyes in a safe place and walking straight ahead. After a few steps, open your eyes and see whether or not you’ve actually walked straight ahead.

• Crazy Chessboard
• Roland
• Puzzle Plus
• Congested Parking
• The walker
• Around the world
• Clint the pirate
• Perce-Ballons
• Snowball effect
• Panurge

Visuo-spatial cues enable us to interact with the environment, since we can orient ourselves in space, as well as anticipate the movements of people and objects.

You’re always in a space, surrounded by people and objects. So it’s important to have a good sense of space.

We can find our bearings in space thanks to several mechanisms:

1. Space representation

When we’re in a space, our brain creates an image of the space itself. This mental representation lets us know what space we have at our disposal, how to move around and where objects are.

For example, if you wake up at night, you can make it to the bathroom without turning on the light. This is possible because we’re able to imagine our home in our heads.

2. Creating mental images

Creating mental images is very important in everyday life.

It enables us to anticipate the movements of other people or objects, but also to imagine objects or people without them being in front of us.

3. Distance assessment

Using visuo-spatial cues, we can assess distances.

Indeed, distance is always a ratio between two objects, and can be evaluated according to the space in which we are.

We use this skill when driving, calculating journey times or playing sports. So we’re able to assess the distance between ourselves and a second object, or between two external objects.

4. Orientation in space

Knowing how to orientate ourselves enables us to move around the environment.

Orientation is based on the classic directions: left, right, up, down. When we move, our body becomes the center, and we imagine movements according to our position (I went left, then right).

Visual-spatial cues are made up of several cognitive functions: creation of mental images, spatial analysis, visual exploration…

All these functions can be grouped under the category of perception. If you’d like to improve your perception, you can follow our coach Clint’s training program.

SCARLETT

An easy and adapted version for seniors

LANGUAGE PROGRAM

For 4 weeks, follow our program to work on language by playing our specially selected games for 15 minutes a day.

Use navigation applications

• • Explore a new city with a map: Use an interactive map or GPS application to explore a new place. Try to find your way around without the aid of a map, using only the visual cues around you.

  • Play geolocation games: Take part in “treasure hunt” type games using your smartphone, forcing you to orientate yourself in space according to visual clues and geographical landmarks.

Use distance markers

• • Estimate the distance between two objects: Look at two objects at different distances and estimate the distance between them. This helps refine distance perception and the evaluation of spatial relationships.

  • Shopping in a supermarket: When you’re shopping, try to find your way around the aisles quickly without using the signs. This helps reinforce your ability to use visual cues to orientate yourself in a complex space.

Viewing rotated objects

• • • Imagine objects rotating in space: Take an object and imagine it rotating in space (for example, a ball or a cube). This improves your ability to visualize objects in three dimensions and understand their spatial movement.

    • Reconstructing 3D shapes: Use models or games that require you to reconstruct geometric shapes in 3D, thus improving your perception of spatiality and visual cues.