PURPOSE: Evaluation of two different training schedules of a computer based working memory training (BrainStim) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: Forty-fiveMS outpatients were allocated to two different training groups and a control group without training. Patients with treatment received 16 training sessions scheduled either as a high intensity training (4 times per week for 4 weeks) or as a distributed training (2 times per week for 8 weeks). A neuropsychological test battery including self-report measures was applied at baseline and at retest. The baseline assessment was performed twice at an interval of two weeks to control for possible learning effects. RESULTS: In the outcome measures training for both intervention groups led to significantly improved fatigue symptoms as well as working memory -, and mental speed performances. Log files recorded during training showed a similar increase in levels of difficulty for both intervention groups as training progressed. No effects were found on short term memory, quality of life or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Since comparable improvements were observed in both training groups, BrainStim can be applied as a therapeutic intervention adjusted to the personal agenda of MS patients.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: Evaluation of two different training schedules of a computer based working memory training (BrainStim) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: Forty-five MS outpatients were allocated to two different training groups and a control group without training. Patients with treatment received 16 training sessions scheduled either as a high intensity training (4 times per week for 4 weeks) or as a distributed training (2 times per week for 8 weeks). A neuropsychological test battery including self-report measures was applied at baseline and at retest. The baseline assessment was performed twice at an interval of two weeks to control for possible learning effects. RESULTS: In the outcome measures training for both intervention groups led to significantly improved fatigue symptoms as well as working memory -, and mental speed performances. Log files recorded during training showed a similar increase in levels of difficulty for both intervention groups as training progressed. No effects were found on short term memory, quality of life or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Since comparable improvements were observed in both training groups, BrainStim can be applied as a therapeutic intervention adjusted to the personal agenda of MS patients.
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
Authors: Helen M Genova; Jeannie Lengenfelder; Nancy D Chiaravalloti; Nancy B Moore; John DeLuca Journal: Appl Neuropsychol Adult Date: 2012 Impact factor: 2.248
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