AIM: To examine the effects of working memory (WM) training in adult patients with stroke. METHODS: A randomized pilot study with a treatment group and a passive controlgroup; 18 participants (12 males) in a vocational age group (mean age 54 years) were randomized to either the treatment or the control condition. The intervention consisted of computerized training on various WM tasks for five weeks. A neuropsychological test battery and self-rating on cognitive functioning in daily life (the CFQ) were administered both before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Statistically significant training effects were found on the non-trained tests for WM and attention, i.e., tests that measure related cognitive functions but are not identical to tasks in the training programme (Span board p < 0.05; PASAT p < 0.001; Ruff 2&7 p < 0.005). There was a significant decrease in symptoms of cognitive problems as measured by the CFQ (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: More than one year after a stroke, systematic WM training can significantly improve WM and attention.
RCT Entities:
AIM: To examine the effects of working memory (WM) training in adult patients with stroke. METHODS: A randomized pilot study with a treatment group and a passive control group; 18 participants (12 males) in a vocational age group (mean age 54 years) were randomized to either the treatment or the control condition. The intervention consisted of computerized training on various WM tasks for five weeks. A neuropsychological test battery and self-rating on cognitive functioning in daily life (the CFQ) were administered both before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Statistically significant training effects were found on the non-trained tests for WM and attention, i.e., tests that measure related cognitive functions but are not identical to tasks in the training programme (Span board p < 0.05; PASAT p < 0.001; Ruff 2&7 p < 0.005). There was a significant decrease in symptoms of cognitive problems as measured by the CFQ (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: More than one year after a stroke, systematic WM training can significantly improve WM and attention.
Authors: Warren K Bickel; David P Jarmolowicz; E Terry Mueller; Kirstin M Gatchalian; Samuel M McClure Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl) Date: 2012-03-24 Impact factor: 4.530
Authors: Susan J Pressler; Barbara Therrien; Penny L Riley; Cheng-Chen Chou; David L Ronis; Todd M Koelling; Dean G Smith; Barbara Jean Sullivan; Ann-Marie Frankini; Bruno Giordani Journal: J Card Fail Date: 2011-10 Impact factor: 5.712
Authors: Michael K Scullin; Lynn Marie Trotti; Anthony G Wilson; Sophia A Greer; Donald L Bliwise Journal: Brain Date: 2012-08-20 Impact factor: 13.501