Computer-based cognitive training program effect on memory and independence in patient after stroke

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a source of persistent disability around the world [1]. 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. Research 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.Research methods and organization. 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) and study group (SG). In the control group were 26 patients (53.06 percent), of those 61.5 percent men and 38.5 percent women. In the study group - 23 patients (46.94 percent; men – 41.7 percent, women – 58.3 percent). The mean age of the patients in CG was 77.4 years (SD, 7.4; range, 61-89) or in SG – 70.48 years (SD, 11.48; range, 54-93). The control group patients were given a standardized rehabilitation program tailored to the individual usual occupational therapy (5 times per week). The study group patients besides the usual standardized occupational therapy (2 times/week) had the occupational therapy based on the computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program (PssCogRehab 2012, USA) (3 times/week). The computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program has been used in a variety exercise for memory, problem solving, attention, visual spatial. The duration of the session - 45 min. Rehabilitation time - 32 days. In addition, during the rehabilitation the patients were subject to the same amount of physical therapy, physiotherapy procedures, social worker‘s and psychological couns[...].