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Novel computer tests for identification of mental fatigue after traumatic brain injury
Background:
Mental fatigue is one of the most significant post-traumatic brain injury symptoms. It is currently not possible to objectively identify.
Objective:
This study investigated whether a complex computer cognitive test with load on endurance, processing speed and attention were more demanding for participants suffering from mental fatigue after brain injury compared with a control group.
Method:
Seventy-six subjects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. All subjects with mTBI had been suffering from mental fatigue for six months or more. Mental fatigue was screened using the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS). Cognitive function was measured for information processing speed and working memory, and with a novel computer test.
Results:
The mTBI group rated MFS significantly higher than the control group. The results revealed a significantly slower information processing speed for the mTBI subjects and a poorer performance on the working memory test. The computer test revealed a less efficient performance over time for the TBI subjects compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
The results indicate a less efficient performance over time in complex and demanding cognitive tasks for individuals experiencing from mental fatigue after brain injury.
