Computerized working memory training after stroke--a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
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).


CONCLUSIONS
More than one year after a stroke, systematic WM training can significantly improve WM and attention.
Westerberg
H
H
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm. helena.westerberg@ki.se
Jacobaeus
H
H
Hirvikoski
T
T
Clevberger
P
P
Ostensson
M-L
ML
Bartfai
A
A
Klingberg
T
T
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome