Intensive computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis - results of a 12-week randemized study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate neuropsychological rehabilitation using a 12-week computer program to assess if it had an eff ect on improving cognitive functions and to identify methods that can be used to measure this eff ect. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the eff ect of the chosen educational plan and the resulting state of cognitive functions. Methods: Patients dia gnosed with MS (43) were randomized into two groups – the experimental group (26) and the control group (17). All patients had a cognitive defect that was assessed at the beginning of the study. After participating in the training program, the results were monitored using neuropsychological tests. Participants in the experimental group were given their rehabilitation of cognitive functions using a computer training program which they undertook at home. There were 32 training sessions which took place on predetermined days with a specifi c detailed training plan. Results: The neuropsychological tests used at the beginning and the end of the study showed the positive eff ect of the training program. The greatest improvement was seen in the areas of immediate memory and attention. Conclusion: The results showed that in MS patients who followed the computer training plan, there were positive eff ects of the neuropsychological rehabilitation.