The Active Ingredient of Cognitive Restoration: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Sequential Combination of Aerobic Exercise and Computer-Based Cognitive Training in Stroke Survivors with Cognitive Decline

Publication date: Available online 9 January 2019

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Author(s): Ting-ting Yeh, Ku-chou Chang, Ching-yi Wu

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of a sequential combination of aerobic exercise and cognitive training on cognitive function and other health-related outcomes in stroke survivors with cognitive decline.

Design

Intervention study and randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Hospital-based rehabilitation units.

Participants

Stroke survivors with cognitive decline were randomized to sequential combination training (SEQ; n = 15) or an active control (CON; n = 15) group. Interventions The SEQ group received 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, followed by 30 minutes of computerized cognitive training. The CON group received 30 minutes of non-aerobic physical exercise, followed by 30 minutes of unstructured mental activities.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome measure was cognitive function. Secondary outcome measures included physical function, social participation, and quality of life.

Results

Compared with the CON group, the SEQ group had significantly improved Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (p = 0.03) and Wechsler Memory Scale (Third Edition) span scores (p = 0.012) after training. The endurance and mobility level measured by the 6-Minute Walk Test (p = 0.25) was also enhanced in the SEQ group relative to the CON group. However, the transfer of sequential training to social participation (Community Integration Questionnaire) and quality of life (EuroQoL questionnaire) was limited (p > 0.05 for both).

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise combined with computerized cognitive training has better effects on the cognitive functional status of post-stroke survivors than an active control. The cognitive functional status of post-stroke survivors was better after participation in aerobic exercise combined with computerized training than after active control therapy, demonstrating the clinical significance of this combination therapy.

from Rehabilitation via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2FjFM1g
via IFTTT