The cognitive repercussions of alcohol dependence are well documented. However, the literature remains somewhat ambiguous with respect to which distinct cognitive functions are more susceptible to impairment in alcoholism and to how duration of abstinence affects cognitive recovery. Some theories claim alcohol negatively affects specific cognitive functions, while others assert that deficits are more diffuse in nature. This is the first meta-analysis to examine cognition in alcohol abuse/dependence and the duration of abstinence necessary to achieve cognitive recovery. A literature search yielded 62 studies that assessed cognitive dysfunction among alcoholics. Effect size estimates were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2, for the following 12 cognitive domains: intelligence quotient, verbal fluency/language, speed of processing, working memory, attention, problem solving/executive functions, inhibition/impulsivity, verbal learning, verbal memory, visual learning, visual memory and visuospatial abilities. Within these 12 domains, three effect size estimates were calculated based on abstinence duration. The three groups were partitioned into short- (< 1 month), intermediate- (2 to 12 months) and long- (> 1 year) term abstinence. Findings revealed moderate impairment across 11 cognitive domains during short-term abstinence, with moderate impairment across 10 domains during intermediate term abstinence. Small effect size estimates were found for long-term abstinence. These results suggest significant impairment across multiple cognitive functions remains stable during the first year of abstinence from alcohol. Generally, dysfunction abates by 1 year of sobriety. These findings support the diffuse brain hypothesis and suggest that cognitive dysfunction may linger for up to an average of 1 year post-detoxification from alcohol.

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The benefits of autonomy support in the domain of education have been well established within the general population, but have yet to be demonstrated within clinical populations. The present study investigated the benefits of an autonomy-supportive interpersonal style on teenage girls' internalization of a tedious clinical workshop and their subjective experience during this task. Participants were female teenagers placed in a social rehabilitation center for their severe emotional and behavioral problems (n = 29). An experimental design allowed comparing the impact of learning a tedious, but important workshop with or without autonomy support on internalization and experiential outcomes. Results demonstrate that autonomy support leads to higher perceived task's value, task liking as well as less negative affect compared to a condition without autonomy-support. Participants in the autonomy-supportive condition also perceived the instructor as more competent. By uncovering benefits of autonomy support to a clinical population of adolescents, the present study supports self-determination theory's tenet that the benefits of autonomy support are universal.

These results suggest significant impairment across multiple cognitive domains in cocaine abusers, and that some of these deficits may be partially masked by the residual or acute withdrawal effects of cocaine. Cognitive dysfunctions remain stable during the first months of abstinence and may abate after 5 months of sobriety.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an in-home telerehabilitation program for proximal humerus fractures. Seventeen patients with proximal humerus fractures were recruited by an orthopedic specialist during emergency room visits. Telerehabilitation treatments were given at the patient’s home over an 8-week period using a videoconferencing system. Pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire [SF-MPQ]), disabilities including shoulder range of motion (flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction), and upper limb function (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire [DASH]) were measured in face-to-face evaluations before (T1) and immediately after (T2) the program. Participant satisfaction with the health care received was also evaluated at T2 with the Health care satisfaction questionnaire. All the clinical outcomes improved post-intervention (p < 0.05). Also, patient satisfaction was high (overall score of 82 ± 7%). Therefore, in-home teletreatment seems to be a promising way to dispense rehabilitation services for this population.

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This study suggests that the benefits of AS extend to individuals with mild intellectual disability.