Addressing Cognitive Impairment Following Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Non-Randomised Controlled Studies of Psychological Interventions
BMJ Open
Merriman, N. A., Sexton, E., et al. (2019).
BMJ Open, 9(2), e024429.
This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of psychological interventions aimed at improving general cognitive function in individuals post-stroke.
Health Research Board of Ireland Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Award
<div>Neuropsychological interventions (e.g., computerized interventions, behavioral interventions, strategy training, goal management training) may be effective for improving overall cognitive function post-stroke.</div>
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<li>Small effects on cognition were noted across controlled studies (Hedges' g = 0.38) with greatest benefit noted on attention. Improvements in executive function, processing speed, memory and IQ were non-significant. </li>
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<div>Positive effects on cognition were also noted across pre-post studies (Hedges' g = 0.5) with the greatest benefits reported in attention, memory and global cognition domains.</div>
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<div>Non-significant results were found in executive function, instruments and activities of daily living, IQ, subjective memory, perceptual reasoning, and quality of life. </div>
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<div>Given the low methodological quality of included studies and risk of bias, further research in this area is warranted. </div>
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