ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of the Valpar system combined with computer-aided technology in treating early vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).Methods Forty patients in the early stage of VCI were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,each of 20.Regular and computer-aided cognition training were applied in both groups,while training using the Valpar system was additionally used in the treatment group.Patients in both groups were assessed using the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before,and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.Results Before the treatment,there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in LOTCA and MBI scores (P＞0.05).After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,the average total LOTCA score in the observation group was significantly better than before the treatment,as were the average scores on the various dimensions,and the average MBI score (P＜0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment the control group showed significant improvement in the patients' orientation (3.50±0.89),visual perception (13.50± 1.43),spatial perception (2.40±0.50),visuomotor construction (24.00± 1.17) and attention (2.30±0.87).However,after both 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,all the measurements of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group at the same time point (P＜0.05).Conclusion The Valpar system can significantly improve the recovery of cognitive function and ability in the activities of daily living of patients in the early stage of VCI.It is worth applying in clinical practice.