Computer-based cognitive training program effect in patients after stroke for memory and independence

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke affects the cognitive domain. Memory is important in various situations, especially those that require the simultaneous holding and manipulation of information or complex reasoning. One proposed method for optimizing the effects of therapy is the use of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training. Aim. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program on memory and independence for patients after stroke. Materials and methods. The study was designed as a randomized trial. 49 patients after ischemic stroke participated in the study. Before the study, patients were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CG) – 26 patients and study group (SG) – 23 patients. The control group patients were given a standardized rehabilitation program tailored to the individual usual occupational therapy (OT ) (5 times/week). The study group patients besides the usual standardized OT (2 times/week) had the OT based on the computerized cognitive training program (PssCogRehab 2012, USA) (3 times/week). The duration of the session – 45 min. Rehabilitation time – 32 days. The methods of the study were the following: MoCA, FIM. Tests were conducted before the rehabilitation and after 32 days of rehabilitation. Statistical data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 program.Results. The cognitive functions of CG significantly improved after the research (U = −2.60; p = 0.009). The cognitive functions of SG also significantly improved (U = −3.90; p < 0.001). After research, the mean total MoCA test score increased statistically significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). A statistically significantly greater (U = −2.36; p = 0.18) change between the groups was observed in the SG. We found out that the memory of CG after standardized rehabilitation program significantly improved (U = −2.56; p = 0.01). [...]