Efficacy of Executive Function Interventions after Stroke: A Systematic Review

Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation

Poulin, V., Korner-Bitensky, N., et al. (2012).

Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 19(2), 158-171.

This systematic review investigates the effect of cognitive inverventions on executive function deficits in adults, 18 years and older, experiencing executive function deficits after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, including ruptured aneurysm.

Fonds de la Recherche en Sante du Quebec (Canada)

Up to January 2011

Randomized controlled trials; pre-post design studies; single-subject studies; cohort studies; case-control studies

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<p>The following evidence was founds for treatments for executive functioning deficit following stroke:</p> <ul> <li>In acute stroke, no evidence was found for efficacy of executive function interventions on executive functioning or everyday functional abilities (Level 5 Evidence).</li> <li>In subacute stroke, limited evidence was found supporting computerized dual-task training over no treatment in improving specific executive functions (Level 2b Evidence).</li> <li>In chronic stroke, limited evidence was found supporting working memory training over no treatment in improving working memory, with some indication of generalization (Level 2a Evidence).</li> <li>In chronic stroke, limited evidence was found supporting problem solving strategy training over no treatment in improving executive function, with possible generalization (Level 2a Evidence).</li> <li>In chronic stroke, limited (Level 2a) evidence was found supporting a paging system over no treatment in improving executive control during functional tasks. Limited (Level 2b) evidence supported the use of the pager over a task-specific checklist in completing specific functional goals.</li> </ul>