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Home-based, computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation for attention in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: a
Camilla Masciulli1, E Portaccio2, B Goretti2
1Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, Florence, 50139, Italy. camilla.masciulli@unifi.it.
Insights
This study explored computer-assisted attention training for pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. Specific training showed promising improvements in cognitive function, suggesting a potential benefit for attention in pediatric MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurorehabilitation
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is prevalent in pediatric onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS), impacting daily life.
- Effective interventions for cognitive deficits in POMS are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based, computer-assisted attention training program for POMS patients.
- To evaluate the impact of specific training (ST) versus non-specific training (n-ST) on attention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized double-blind study design was employed.
- Participants received either specific training (ST) or non-specific training (n-ST) via the COGNI-TRAcK2 module.
- The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was the primary outcome measure, with assessments at baseline, post-training, and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The specific training (ST) group demonstrated a significant improvement in SDMT scores from baseline to 3-month follow-up (p=0.043).
- No significant benefits were observed in other neuropsychological measures for the ST group.
- Limited patient data (5 in ST, 8 in n-ST) were available for analysis.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary results suggest that home-based, computer-assisted attention training may benefit patients with POMS.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.
Objective:
Cognitive impairment affects approximately 30% of pediatric onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) patients with a negative impact on everyday life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based, computer-assisted training of attention in patients with POMS.
Methods:
This was a randomized double-blind study. Subjects were randomized to specific training (ST) or non-specific training (n-ST), delivered through a customized module based on attention exercises (COGNI-TRAcK2). The main feature of the ST is the implementation of working load algorithms and procedures for intensiveness regulation. The effectiveness of the ST on attention was primarily assessed on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Secondary objectives included effectiveness on other cognitive tests. The evaluations were performed at baseline, end of training and 3-month follow-up.
Results:
22 relapsing-remitting patients were included: data of 8 subjects in n-ST and 5 subjects in ST were available. As for the primary outcome, SDMT score improved in the ST group (from 31.2 at baseline to 42.4 after 3 months, p = 0.043). There was no benefit in other neuropsychological measures.
Conclusions:
These preliminary findings point to a potential benefit of a home-based, computer-assisted training of attention in patients with POMS.
