title: The effects of cognitive remediation on functional outcomes among people with schizophrenia: a randomised controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cognitive remediation is an intervention to overcome cognitive deficits through drills and use of strategies. Previous studies have reported positive effects for cognitive remediation on neurocognition, but researchers' allegiance effects are not always adequately controlled. Furthermore, its efficacy amongst the Asian population has not been established. Hence, this study aimed to determine if cognitive remediation would have positive effects on neurocognition and functioning within an English-speaking Asian population, when compared against the effects of a credible and balanced control provided by therapists blinded to the study hypothesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 70 participants with schizophrenia who attended vocational training or day rehabilitation programmes were randomised to receive a 60-hour programme of either cognitive remediation or physical exercise. Neurocognition and functional outcomes were measured at baseline, upon completion of treatment, 6 months after treatment and 1 year after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who received cognitive remediation had significantly greater improvement in all neurocognitive domains. Furthermore, the cognitive remediation group achieved greater attainment of vocational or independent living skills and better functional outcomes at post-intervention and at the end of the 1-year follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When compared against a credible intervention such as physical exercise, cognitive remediation was able to show significant positive effects on both neurocognition and functional outcomes among the Asian population of schizophrenia patients.
authors.affiliation: 1Occupational Therapy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Bhing-Leet
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cognitive remediation; functional outcomes of schizophrenia; neurocognitive deficits; psychiatric rehabilitation