Effect of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for Attention Training in Brain Injury

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Korean Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CogRehabK ) on cognitive function of the patients with brain injury. METHOD: Fifty subjects with brain injury were enrolled and classified into two groups, experimental (n=25) and control group (n=25). Control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy including physical and occupational therapy. Experimental group received additional computer-assisted cognitive training using CogRehabK software consisted of 10 level-completing programs, 3 times per week, 30 minutes per session, for 4 to 6 weeks. All patients were assessed their cognitive functions using Seoul Computerized Neuropsychological Test (SCNT , Maxmedica, 2001), minimental status examination (MMSE), digit span, and Wechslermemory scale before and after treatment. Functional independence measure and geriatric depression scale were also applied for evaluation of functional and mood status. RESULTS: Before the treatment, two groups showed no difference in their cognitive functions. After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, the experimental group showed significantly higher performance in forward digit span, forward visual span, auditory continuous performance test, and visual continuous performance test in CNT and MMSE than control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the CogRehabK may be useful as an additional tool for the cognitive rehabilitation in patients with brain injury.