title: Integrative group-based cognitive rehabilitation efficacy in multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the integrative group-based cognitive rehabilitation programme, REHACOP, on improving cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourty-two MS patients were randomized to the treatment programme REHACOP (n = 21) or waiting list control condition (n = 21). The REHACOP group received cognitive rehabilitation in group format for three months focused on attention, processing speed, learning and memory, language, executive functioning, and social cognition. Patients completed a neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up, which included tests of attention, processing speed, working memory, verbal memory, verbal fluency, and executive functioning. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to determine the efficacy of the cognitive rehabilitation programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group × Time interactions revealed significant improvements in the REHACOP group as compared with the control group for processing speed (p = 0.011, np2= 0.16), working memory (p = 0.014, np2= 0.15), verbal memory (p = 0.025, np2= 0.13), and executive functioning (p = 0.024, np2= 0.13), showing medium-large effect sizes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients receiving REHACOP showed improvements in several cognitive domains. This preliminary study thus provides evidence supporting the efficacy of this integrative group-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention in MS. Future research should confirm these findings, examine the impact of the treatment on everyday life functioning and explore the presence of brain changes associated with cognitive rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation This study provides initial evidence for integrative group-based cognitive rehabilitation efficacy in MS patients through the implementation of the REHACOP cognitive rehabilitation programme. Patients received cognitive rehabilitation for three months (3 one-hour-sessions per week) focused on training attention, learning and memory, language, executive functioning, and social cognition. Patients attending REHACOP sessions showed medium to large and statistically significant improvements in processing speed, working memory, verbal memory, and executive functioning.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Oiane
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rilo
authors.affiliation: a Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.affiliation: a Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ojeda
authors.affiliation: b Neurology Service , Basurto University Hospital , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Antigüedad
authors.affiliation: c Neurology Service , Cruces University Hospital , Barakaldo , Spain.
authors.forename: Mar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mendibe-Bilbao
authors.affiliation: a Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Ainara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gómez-Gastiasoro
authors.affiliation: d Kessler Foundation , West Orange , NJ , USA.|e Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark , NJ , USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeLuca
authors.affiliation: d Kessler Foundation , West Orange , NJ , USA.|e Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Rutgers New Jersey Medical School , Newark , NJ , USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chiaravalloti
authors.affiliation: a Department of Methods and Experimental Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain.
authors.forename: Naroa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ibarretxe-Bilbao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: REHACOP; cognition; multiple sclerosis; neurodegenerative diseases; neuropsychological rehabilitation