ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) on the cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) in chronic stroke patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Methods : This study was performed at I Hospital in Busan from June to September, 2011. Thirty participants who passed the 24-month stage from stroke onset were grouped into three age groups: 50s, 60s and 70s. CACR was performed using Rehacom 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for nine weeks. The cognitive functions of the patients were assessed using their K-3MS and NCSE scores, and their ADL performances were assessed through their FIM and MBI scores. The assessments were performed four times: before training, after 3 and 6 weeks of training, and at the end of 9 weeks of training. Results : Before training, the cognitive functions and ADL performances of the patients showed significant differences among the three age groups (p<.05). As time passed, the K-3MS and NCSE scores of the three age groups increased. There was a significant difference in K-3MS score among the three groups after training. Analysis results of the ADL performances showed significant changes in the patients in their 60s and 70s, but not those in their 50s. After training, the FIM scores of the three groups showed significant differences (p<.05). Analysis results of the patients' cognitive function recovery on their ADL performances showed that an improvement of their K-3MS scores based on CACR and age are factors influencing their MBI and FIM scores. Conclusion : The results showed that CACR using Rehacom is effective for an improvement of the cognitive function and ADL performance in chronic stroke patients 24 months after onset. This was more effective for those in their 70s than those in their 50s and 60s. This study suggests that CACR is an effective tool for elderly chronic stroke patients.