title: Working memory training in patients with multiple sclerosis - comparison of two different training schedules.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of two different training schedules of a computer based working memory training (BrainStim) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.affiliation: Department of Cognitive Psychology and Methodology, University of Basel, Basel CH-4055, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Annamarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Ludwig
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kappos
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Calabrese
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stöcklin
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gschwind
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Opwis
authors.forename: Iris-Katharina
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Penner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors