Mobile Application Applied for Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for remote healthcare solutions, including home-based rehabilitation services.
• This surge in demand has driven the development and adoption of mobile applications designed for cognitive rehabilitation.
• A critical need exists for a thorough analysis of the content and proven effectiveness of these digital tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the existing literature on mobile applications for cognitive rehabilitation.
• To assess the quality and clinical implications of current cognitive rehabilitation apps based on available research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA Checklist 2020 guidelines.
• Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by one researcher and an external expert.
• The review analyzed 18 studies, including 8 high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 moderate-quality non-RCT studies.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (88.88%) of the reviewed studies indicated positive clinical outcomes for cognitive function following the use of cognitive rehabilitation apps.
• Eight studies reported a direct correlation between app usage and improvements in cognitive function.
• Four studies highlighted the utility of these applications for evaluating cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive rehabilitation mobile applications are clinically validated tools for enhancing cognitive function, particularly from an occupational therapy perspective.
• The diverse intervention approaches within these apps, including prevention, restoration, and maintenance, contribute to their effectiveness.
• Further research can build upon these findings to optimize digital interventions for cognitive health.