A randomized clinical trial study on the effectiveness of a tele-analogy-based problem-solving programme for people with acquired brain injury (ABI)

Abstract

The present study reports the results of 103 persons with acquired brain injury who were randomly assigned to one of three 20-session analogy problem-solving skill training groups, namely: online training (through computer video conferencing with interactive software); computer-assisted training (through interactive patient-directed software); therapist administered training (face-to-face therapist guided training activities); and a "no-treatment" control group. Research design: Pre-and post-test quasi-experimental design. Main outcome and results: Individuals' problem-solving skills and self-efficacy in all four groups were assessed over a four-week period. Overall, the training methods were found to be effective in improving problem solving skills regardless of the modes of delivery (except in the case of the control group). The continuous "human touch" characteristics of the therapist-administered group showed significant better improvements in self-efficacy in problem-solving. Conclusion:The statistically significantly improvement in problem solving skills in the online-group suggests that this approach could effectively improve cognitive functions of person with ABI and yield training outcomes comparable to other modes of delivery such as the face-to-face training. The conceptualization and applicability of tele-cognitive rehabilitation, its implications for persons with ABI, and future studies in this research area are also discussed.

Evaluation of a virtual reality‐based memory training programme for Hong Kong Chinese older adults with questionable dementia: a pilot study

“…It was postulated that the therapistled group might have been given better reassurance about the training through emotional support from the therapist. This kind of "personal touch" has been supported in similar studies using computers in cognitive rehabilitation (Man et al, 2006).…”

Rehabilitation of executive disorders after brain injury: Are interventions effective?

“…The results showed increased self‐efficacy and improved basic problem‐solving skills in all three delivery modes. In a subsequent clinical trial (Man, Soong, Tam, & Hui‐Chan, 2006), the same three conditions of PST were compared and a no‐treatment control group was added. The results of 103 subjects who were randomly assigned to one of the four groups showed that the analogy‐based PST was effective for improving problem‐solving skills, regardless of its delivery mode.…”

“…Conclusion In this category, three RCTs were found (Man et al , 2006; Soong et al , 2005; Wilson et al , 2001). In the study of Wilson et al (2001), long‐term effects as well as generalization effects were investigated.…”

Cognition in Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Research: Consensus-Based Core Recommendations From the Second Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable

“…A way to do this is to augment therapist-delivered, face-to-face training with digital therapies. This has been carried out successfully in studies designed to improve: working memory 25 ; goal processing and sustained attention 26 ; and, real-world problem solving, with promising effect sizes 27 . Thirdly, with respect to generating evidence from animal models that will be relevant for human rehabilitation, some aspects of cognition are easier to study than others.…”