Abstract
We provided Computer-assisted Attention Training (CAT) , a cognitive rehabilitation method that uses an originally developed program for personal computers, to 10 patients with cerebrovascular disease accompanied by attentional disorder using a study design closely related to the A-B-A' study design. We conducted an evaluation comprising assessments for attention (AMM, TMT, PASAT) , a rating scale of attentional behavior (Ponsford scale) , and a test for ADL (FIM) a total of four times and compared the results.
The results showed significant improvements (p<0.01 or 0.05) in test results for assessments for attention (AMM, TMT, PASAT) , the Ponsford scale, and FIM after four weeks of CAT compared to before CAT. However, some results in assessments for attention (AMM hit rate, TMT-B, PASAT-2.0 sec pacing) showed significant improvements (p<0.01 or 0.05) even in the A phase. Moreover, in the A'phase, results for assessments for attention (AMM, TMT, PASAT) were maintained, and significant improvements (p<0.01) were observed for results on the Ponsford scale and FIM.
Although the subjects were in convalescence and spontaneous recovery may thus have been partially responsible for the results, the overall test results suggest that CAT was effective to some degree. Therefore, CAT may be a useful training method for attentional disorder.
