An Impact of Biofeedback Training on the Effectiveness of Cognitive Training in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction. The clinical significance of cognitive impairments remaining in patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) in the second rehabilitation period actualizes the need for their correction. The technique of cognitive training shows a high degree of cognitive function recovery, but negative emotional states that may occur in patients during rehabilitation may reduce its positive effect. In this regard, the use of biofeedback (BFB) training to stabilize the patients’ psycho-emotional state before cognitive training can increase its effectiveness.Purpose. To evaluate the impact of BFB-training on the effectiveness of cognitive training in patients with acute cerebrovascular disorders in the second rehabilitation period.Design. 41 post-stroke patients (ischemic stroke) in their late recovery period with varying degrees of cognitive impairments, not reaching the level of dementia, completed a course of standard rehabilitation and psychological treatment, including cognitive training sessions. Of these, 20 patients (the experimental group), before cognitive training, additionally underwent a BFB-training based on the skin conductance parameter. Psychodiagnostic evaluation conducted before and after the rehabilitation course included a study of visual and auditory-speech memory, volume, distribution, and attention switching, the level of depression, as well as unconscious and conscious anxiety.Results. After the course of rehabilitation and psychological treatment, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in all cognitive functions and indicators of psycho-emotional state. Positive dynamics in the control group is observed only in the cognitive sphere. The level of cognitive functions in the experimental group after the rehabilitation course was significantly higher than in the control one.Conclusions. An additional inclusion of BFB-training in the course of rehabilitation and psychological treatment helps to increase the effectiveness of cognitive training by stabilizing the psycho-emotional state, as well as by providing a positive impact of biofeedback methods on cognitive functions.