title: Computerized auditory cognitive training to improve cognition and functional outcomes in patients with heart failure: Results of a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Feasibility and efficacy of computerized auditory cognitive training (ACT) was examined among patients with heart failure (HF).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Individuals with HF have four times increased risk of cognitive impairment, yet cognitive intervention studies are sparse.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot randomized controlled design was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ACT group (n = 9) and control group (n = 8) had similar baseline characteristics. Seven participants (78%) completed ≥ 18 hours of ACT. Medium effect sizes were observed for improved cognition as indicated by auditory processing speed (d = 0.78), speech processing (d = 0.88), and working memory (d = 0.44-0.50). Small effect sizes were found for improved functional outcomes including HF selfcare (d = 0.34), Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (d = 0.32), Six-Minute Walk Test (d = 0.38) and Short-Form-36 (d = 0.22) relative to controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated ACT is feasible among persons with HF. Despite a small sample size, ACT showed potential for improved speed of processing and working memory and improved functional outcomes, and warrants further exploration.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of South Florida, USA. Electronic address: pathilin@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Ponrathi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Athilingam
authors.affiliation: School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Jerri D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Elise G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Valdes
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of South Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guglin
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care
keywords: Cognitive impairment; Cognitive training; Heart failure; Memory; Self-care; Speed of processing