Daily management of attention dysfunction two–four years after brain injury and early cognitive rehabilitation with attention process training: a qualitative study

Abstract

The evaluation of intensive cognitive training is usually based on neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. A study of the subjective experience of cognitive training would provide another type of valuable information concerning the effects of rehabilitation. We used grounded theory methods to explore the experience and management of attention dysfunction in daily life two-four years after brain injury. Data were collected by in-depth interviews of 14 adults with moderate-to-mild attention dysfunction after stroke or traumatic brain injury, and working part time or full time at the time of the interviews. The group received 20 hours of attention process training within the context of multidisciplinary rehabilitation early after brain injury. Data were analysed by open coding with constant comparison. The management of attention dysfunction was described by the informants as a dynamic process where strategies are continuously refined and flexibly adjusted as awareness and metacognitive knowledge increases. This process is regulated by situation-dependent factors. Attention process training might provide a suitable starting point for the identification of problem areas, improved specific goalsetting and stimulated self-training. The model describes the dynamic nature of the process, the ongoing struggle, self-training and search for feedback.

Rehabilitation with intensive attention training early after acquired brain injury promotes better long-term status on health-related quality of life, daily activities, work ability and return to work

“…This process makes the effects of underlying cognitive training in one area (attention) challenging to discern. In our earlier interview study with participants receiving a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme and APT ( 14 ), we provided examples of how patients apply APT training after discharge from rehabilitation. ( ii ) Conceptual differences in measures may be another reason for the different results.…”

“…Most studies report these favourable effects from a post-intervention perspective. In contrast, long-term studies are scarce ( 4 , 13 ), with only 2 studies focusing on the long-term effect of APT intervention in terms of strategy use ( 14 ) and maintenance of functional level ( 15 ). Therefore, the current study focuses on long-term aspects.…”

Assessing attentional task-related electroencephalogram signal variations by using mobile electroencephalogram technology: An experimental study

“…[7] The evaluation of intensive cognitive training is usually based on neuropsychological tests and questionnaires such as Stroop Test, and Trail-Making Test (TMT). [8] Assessment methods for the evaluation of outcomes in brain injury rehabilitation need to be highly sensitive to and provide a detailed analysis of behavioral changes. [9] The effectiveness of therapy can be optimized by selecting the treatment according to the diagnosis.…”

Enhanced Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampal Activity Improves Memory Generalization in APP/PS1 Mice: A Multimodal Animal MRI Study

“…Based upon previous literature, the cognition of patients with AD can be improved after many forms of cognitive training, and the beneficial effects from cognitive training are associated with changed thinking mode and improved memory flexibility ( Markovic et al, 2020 ). Previous studies have showed that computer-assisted cognitive training can effectively improve the learning memory ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease ( Herrera et al, 2012 ; Vermeij et al, 2016 ; Cavallo and Angilletta, 2017 ).…”