Cognitive training in adults with intellectual disability: pilot study applying a cognitive tele-rehabilitation program

The effects of practicing computerized exercises in class by 59 learning disabled students who received an 8-hr. training program, 30 min. per week, were evaluated. Six exercises designed to facilitate basic cognitive skills development were used. Twelve subjects were assigned to a control group without any form of intervention. Covariance analysis (pretest scores used as covariates) showed a significant effect of training on mental arithmetic. These results suggest that practicing a computerized exercise of mental arithmetic can facilitate the automatization of basic arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, and multiplication). The nature, progress, and evaluation of such types of intervention are discussed.

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Comparison of the Effect of Two Driving Retraining Programs on On-Road Performance After Stroke

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968309334208 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 699-705 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Hannes Devos ◽

Abiodun Emmanuel Akinwuntan ◽

Alice Nieuwboer ◽

Mark Tant ◽

Steven Truijen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Driving Simulator ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Simulator Training ◽

Road Test ◽

Item Score ◽

Driving Skills ◽

Subacute Stroke

Background. Several driving retraining programs have been developed to improve driving skills after stroke. Those programs rely on different rehabilitation concepts. Objectives. The current study sought to examine the specific carryover effect of driving skills of a comprehensive training program in a driving simulator when compared with a cognitive training program. Methods. Further analysis from a previous randomized controlled trial that investigated the effect of simulator training on driving after stroke. Forty-two participants received simulator-based driving training, whereas 41 participants received cognitive training for 15 hours. Overall performance in the on-road test and each of its 13 items were compared between groups immediately posttraining and at 6 months poststroke. Results. Generalized estimating equation analysis showed that the total score on the on-road test and each item score improved significantly over time for both groups. Those who received driving simulator training achieved better results when compared with the cognitive training group in the overall on-road score and the items of anticipation and perception of signs, visual behavior and communication, quality of traffic participation, and turning left. Most of the differences in improvement between the 2 interventions were observed at 6 months poststroke. Conclusions . Contextual training in a driving simulator appeared to be superior to cognitive training to treat impaired on-road driving skills after stroke. The effects were primarily seen in visuointegrative driving skills. Our results favor the implementation of driving simulator therapy in the conventional rehabilitation program of subacute stroke patients with mild deficits.

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