BACKGROUND: One aim of this project was to investigate the efficacy of a specific training programme for MS patients which also contained compensation strategies and relaxation exercises relevant to everyday life. The other aim was to check the programme's relevance to everyday life. METHOD: 19 patients, randomised into two groups, took part in the study. The participants in the treated group completed a specific neurological training programme which began immediately after the basic testing (visit 1) and lasted 4 weeks, with a total of 12 sessions. The monitoring test was done immediately after the training programme (at visit 2) and the follow-up was 3 months later (visit 3). Both study groups were fully comparable as regards clinical and socio-demographic data and baseline intelligence level. RESULTS: The results of the cognitive training programme were especially evident in the significant improvements in executive functions (CKV) and spatial-constructional abilities (HAWIE-R). Comparison between the treated and the control group showed no significant difference in the fatigue values (MFIS). However, when the treated group was examined over the three times of measurements, the symptoms of fatigue had diminished significantly. Regarding memory, comparison of the groups showed no changes; within the treated group; however, the verbal (VLT) and nonverbal learning and memory (NVLT) improved significantly. The results for sustained attention improved in both groups over time. It must be assumed that a learning effect had occurred here. The depression values (BDI) also improved in both study groups. The follow-up questionnaire showed that 60% (6) attributed an average to above-average benefit to the training. CONCLUSION: To summarise, it is apparent that MS patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment are able to profit from even a fairly brief neuropsychological training programme and to integrate much of it into their everyday lives. In view of this, it would seem appropriate to offer such a programme as standard, associated with medication.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: One aim of this project was to investigate the efficacy of a specific training programme for MSpatients which also contained compensation strategies and relaxation exercises relevant to everyday life. The other aim was to check the programme's relevance to everyday life. METHOD: 19 patients, randomised into two groups, took part in the study. The participants in the treated group completed a specific neurological training programme which began immediately after the basic testing (visit 1) and lasted 4 weeks, with a total of 12 sessions. The monitoring test was done immediately after the training programme (at visit 2) and the follow-up was 3 months later (visit 3). Both study groups were fully comparable as regards clinical and socio-demographic data and baseline intelligence level. RESULTS: The results of the cognitive training programme were especially evident in the significant improvements in executive functions (CKV) and spatial-constructional abilities (HAWIE-R). Comparison between the treated and the control group showed no significant difference in the fatigue values (MFIS). However, when the treated group was examined over the three times of measurements, the symptoms of fatigue had diminished significantly. Regarding memory, comparison of the groups showed no changes; within the treated group; however, the verbal (VLT) and nonverbal learning and memory (NVLT) improved significantly. The results for sustained attention improved in both groups over time. It must be assumed that a learning effect had occurred here. The depression values (BDI) also improved in both study groups. The follow-up questionnaire showed that 60% (6) attributed an average to above-average benefit to the training. CONCLUSION: To summarise, it is apparent that MSpatients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment are able to profit from even a fairly brief neuropsychological training programme and to integrate much of it into their everyday lives. In view of this, it would seem appropriate to offer such a programme as standard, associated with medication.
Authors: Nadina B Lincoln; Lucy E Bradshaw; Cris S Constantinescu; Florence Day; Avril Er Drummond; Deborah Fitzsimmons; Shaun Harris; Alan A Montgomery; Roshan das Nair Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-01 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: Lauren A Taylor; Jacqueline R Mhizha-Murira; Laura Smith; Kristy-Jane Potter; Dana Wong; Nikos Evangelou; Nadina B Lincoln; Roshan das Nair Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2021-10-18
Authors: Maria Pia Amato; Dawn Langdon; Xavier Montalban; Ralph H B Benedict; John DeLuca; Lauren B Krupp; Alan J Thompson; Giancarlo Comi Journal: J Neurol Date: 2012-11-23 Impact factor: 4.849
Authors: Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo; Thibaut Demaneuf; Alysha M De Livera; George A Jelinek; Chelsea R Brown; Claudia H Marck; Sandra L Neate; Keryn L Taylor; Taylor Mills; Emily O'Kearney; Amalia Karahalios; Tracey J Weiland Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2018-04-04 Impact factor: 4.003
Authors: Alessandro Livelli; Gian Carlo Orofino; Andrea Calcagno; Mariana Farenga; Donatella Penoncelli; Marta Guastavigna; Sinibaldo Carosella; Pietro Caramello; Lorenzo Pia Journal: Front Behav Neurosci Date: 2015-11-16 Impact factor: 3.558
Authors: Nadina B Lincoln; Roshan das Nair; Lucy Bradshaw; Cris S Constantinescu; Avril E R Drummond; Alexandra Erven; Amy L Evans; Deborah Fitzsimmons; Alan A Montgomery; Miriam Morgan Journal: Trials Date: 2015-12-08 Impact factor: 2.279