The Effectiveness of Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Executive Functions in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common chronic disease of the nervous system. A problem facing MS patients is cognitive impairments, including executive functions as the most major deficiency. Objective(s): The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in executive functions in MS patients. Method(s): The present controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted on a population comprising all MS patients who were members of the MS Society in Kermanshah, Iran using a pretest-posttest approach. The computerized form of Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) was administered on 60 patients, of whom 20 were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). The experimental group participated in twelve 50-minute sessions of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention, whereas the controls did not undergo any interventions. After completing the intervention, the posttest was performed in both groups, and the data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Result(s): The findings suggested significant statistical differences (P < 0.001) in the posttest results of the patients' performance compared to the pretest stage in the experimental and control groups. Conclusion(s): The findings obtained suggest that cognitive rehabilitation improves executive functions in MS patients. This method is recommended to be used in rehabilitation centers and psychological clinics to improve cognitive problems in MS patients.Copyright ? 2019, Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.