Computer training may help attention and thinking after stroke

The review

1. 01

   Who took part

   The review pooled 19 studies with 875 people who had thinking problems after a stroke. Their ages ranged from 27 to 84.

2. 02

   What they did

   People did computer training for attention, memory and thinking skills. The comparison groups had usual care or routine rehabilitation. Nine studies lasted six weeks or less, and ten lasted longer.

3. 03

   What happened

   Training groups did better than the other groups on attention, general thinking, skills like planning, and quality of life. Memory, language and movement showed no clear difference. The paper's numbers don't always agree, and eight of the 19 studies had a high risk of bias.

What the review found

1. HelpedFocus

   In 11 studies, computer training improved attention more than the other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 11 studies · vs people who had usual care or routine rehabilitation · the authors rated their certainty high

2. HelpedOther outcomes

   In 15 studies, computer training also improved thinking more than other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 15 studies · vs people who had usual care or routine rehabilitation · the authors rated their certainty moderate

3. HelpedOther outcomes

   In 6 studies, computer training improved planning and switching skills more than the other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 6 studies · vs people who had usual care or routine rehabilitation · the authors rated their certainty moderate

Source