The effects of computer-assisted cognitive training on cognition and FIM in patients with brain injury

Objective To study the effects of computer-assisted cognitive training on cognition and function- al independence in patients with brain injury by using the 2001 version cognitive training software developed by the authors.Methods Forty brain injury patients with cognitive dysfunction diagnosed by using neurobehavioral cogni- tive status examination(NCSE)were randomly divided into two groups:a cognitive training group and a control group.Both groups received the same medical therapy,hyperbaric oxygen,physical therapy and traditional therapy, and the cognitive training group also received eight-week computer-assisted cognitive training as an addition.The NCSE and FIM were used to evaluate the cognition and functional independence of the subjects at the beginning and at the end of the eighth week as well as 4 weeks after end of the training,respectively.Results At the beginning the NCSE scores and the FIM scores in both groups were not significantly different(P0.05).At the eighth week of training and after ceasing the cognitive training for 4 weeks the NCSE scores and the FIM scores were improved in both groups,espeeially in the cognitive training group(P0.05).Conclusion The 2001 version cognitive training software can improve the cognitive and motor function of patient with brain injury.