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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Effects of an individualized multimedia computer program for health education in patients with a recent minor stroke
E Maasland1, P J Koudstaal, J D F Habbema
1Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.maasland@erasmusmc.nl
Background:
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke patients often show a striking lack of knowledge about their disease. We developed a computer program that provided health education fitting the educational level, risk profile and symptoms of patients and evaluated it in a randomized controlled trial.
Methods:
Transient ischemic attack or minor stroke patients were allocated to health education by a physician (n = 32) or to a combination of education by a physician and the computer program (n = 33). Knowledge was tested by means of a questionnaire at 1 and 12 weeks after inclusion. The maximum possible score was 71 points.
Results:
Overall knowledge was low - the mean score was 43.6 at 1 week and 42.0 points at 12 weeks for both the groups. The intervention group had slightly better scores at 1 week after using the computer program, 45.4 vs 41.5 (P = 0.09), with the difference increasing to 4.3 points after (post-hoc) adjustment for age and level of education (P = 0.06). After 12 weeks, the score in the intervention group dropped significantly to 42.0 points (P = 0.05), and was no longer different from the standard group.
Conclusion:
This study did not show a lasting effect of health education by an individualized computer program on the knowledge of TIA and minor stroke patients.
