Authors (including presenting author) :
Szeto MK (1), Chu KY (1), Tsang TS (1), Choi HY (1), Chan YL (1), Chan YP (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital
Introduction :
With the advancement of cognitive training (CT) applications, computerized CT can now be easily accessed anytime and anywhere. However, its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive functions in patients remains to be fully determined.
Objectives :
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of computerized CT compared to conventional CT and standard treatment on the cognitive functions and the mood of patients.
Methodology :
This quasi-experimental study comprises 30 in-patients with Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) score <6 from ward. There are three groups: computerized CT (tablets), conventional CT (paper-and-pencil tasks), and a control group (standard treatment). Each CT group participated in 30-minute sessions over five consecutive days. Pre and post assessments were conducted using the AMT, Digit Span, Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) for cognitive functioning; and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) for mood. Qualitative feedback from patients in CT groups was collected.
Result & Outcome :
Data analysis using the General Linear Model - Repeated Measures indicated significant main effect of time and time x group interactions across all measures (p<0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the computerized CT group showed significant improvements in AMT (p=0.04) and VFT (p=0.046) comparing the control group. In contrast, the conventional CT group did not show similar improvements when comparing the control group in AMT (p=0.432) and VFT (p=0.664). Despite the absence of statistically significant differences between the two CT groups in AMT (p=0.366) and VFT (p=0.223), the efficacy of computerized CT in eliciting measurable improvements over control group plausibly suggested its potential superiority over conventional CT. No significant difference was found among the groups in Digit Span and WHO-5 scores. The computerized CT group reported that the digital and gamification features were entertaining, whereas the paper-and-pencil tasks were reported as dull and “child-like”.
Computerized CT effectively enhances cognitive functions in patients when comparing standard treatment and is plausibly a more flexible and entertaining training approach. Future research should recruit more subjects to ensure a significantly powered result and validate these preliminary observations.
