title: A randomized study of computerized working memory training and effects on functioning in everyday life for patients with brain injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Working memory (WM) problems influence most activities of daily living. The aim was to evaluate if computerized working memory training after brain injury has a significant effect on functioning in daily life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatients with WM deficits, aged 22-63 years, were randomized to either intervention group (IG, n = 20) or control group (CG, n = 18) and received 5 weeks standard rehabilitation. The IG also received WM training with the Cogmed QM training program. Assessments were made before (A1), immediately (A2) and 3 months (A3) after intervention. After follow-up, the CG was offered the computerized training and assessed after this (A4; n = 8). Assessments included the WAIS-III Digit span reversed, Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test-II (RBMT-II) and a WM questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The IG improved on digit span and FIS, A1-A2, and significantly more than the CG on the WM questionnaire, A1-A3. Both groups improved in AMPS motor skill and the AMPS process skill score tended towards significant improvement in the IG, from A1-A3. After training (A3-A4), the CG improved in digit span and RBMT-II.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The WM training seems to have a generalized effect on functional activity and lessens fatigue.
authors.affiliation: Ersta Sköndal University College, Campus Bräcke , Göteborg , Sweden .
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Björkdahl
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Akerlund
authors.forename: Siv
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Svensson
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Esbjörnsson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted