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The Effects of Cognitive Training on Executive Functioning and Attention in Multiple Sclerosis

Janssen, Alisha L
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3681-4287
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1372762652

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Psychology.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that results in diffuse nerve damage and associated physical and cognitive impairments. Of the few comprehensive rehabilitation options that exist in the MS literature, those that have been successful at eliciting broad cognitive improvements have focused on a multi-modal training approach that emphasizes complex cognitive processing utilizing multiple domains simultaneously. The current study sought to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an eight-week, hybrid variable priority (HVT) training program, using the video game, Space Fortress, relative to a wait-listed control group, to remediate cognitive deficits in a group of individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Twenty-six participants were recruited for the study and randomized to either a training group or a wait-listed control group. To assess broad transfer, a battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to all participants pre- and post-intervention. The results indicated an overall improvement in skill acquisition, as evidenced by a significant improvement in total game score, but a lack of transfer to any tasks of cognition functioning as assessed by the battery. Participants in the training group, however, did show improvements on the 9-hole Peg test, a measure of fine motor control. Improvements to the current model would include a longer training course to elicit positive performance values, the inclusion of only cognitively impaired individuals, and integration of subjective measures of improvement in addition to objective tests of cognitive performance.
Ruchika Prakash, Ph.D (Advisor)
Charles Emery, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Dirk Bernhardt-Walther, Ph.D (Committee Member)
87 p.
Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Health; Neurosciences; Psychology; Rehabilitation
multiple sclerosis; cognitive training; cognitive impairment; cognitive rehabilitation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Janssen, A. L. (2013). The Effects of Cognitive Training on Executive Functioning and Attention in Multiple Sclerosis [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1372762652

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Janssen, Alisha. The Effects of Cognitive Training on Executive Functioning and Attention in Multiple Sclerosis. 2013. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1372762652.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Janssen, Alisha. "The Effects of Cognitive Training on Executive Functioning and Attention in Multiple Sclerosis." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1372762652

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1372762652
893
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.