Retrieval practice enhances memory for names in survivors of stroke.

Abstract

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggests that retrieval practice (testing during learning) enhances memory in clinical populations. However, no study to date has examined the efficacy of retrieval practice in stroke survivors, despite the negative impact of poststroke memory difficulties. We investigated whether retrieval practice enhances memory for names in stroke survivors and healthy controls. Method: Using a within-and between-subjects design, 20 stroke survivors and 20 healthy controls completed an experimental paradigm that required them to learn 18 name-face pairs divided across 3 learning conditions (spaced restudy, retrieval practice, massed study). A mixed analysis of variance compared participants' name recall across conditions after 30 min and 7 days. Results: There was a main effect of learning condition (p Ͻ .001, p 2 ϭ .67) and a significant Time ϫ Condition interaction (p Ͻ .001, p 2 ϭ .25). Post hoc comparisons revealed that retrieval practice was the superior learning condition in both groups after 30 min. After 7 days, there was no significant difference between the retrieval practice and spaced restudy conditions in stroke survivors (p ϭ .08, d ϭ 0.41), although retrieval practice remained superior to massed study (p ϭ .001, d ϭ 0.88). Conclusions: Retrieval practice is a promising memory technique that significantly enhanced stroke survivors' memory for names. Given similar performance in the retrieval practice and spaced restudy conditions after 7 days, stroke survivors may benefit from multiple presentations of information during learning, rather than 1 prolonged exposure. Future studies should investigate whether additional retrieval opportunities might prolong the beneficial effect of testing during learning.

A Brief Period of Wakeful Rest after Learning Enhances Verbal Memory in Stroke Survivors

“…In these cases, combining the use of wakeful rest with other memory techniques targeting retrieval processes (e.g., retrieval practice; Evans et al, 2020) may enable the shortterm benefits of wakeful rest to be maintained for a longer period of time in stroke survivors who have memory retrieval difficulties. Martini et al (2018) demonstrated that an additional delayed recall opportunity supported word list retention over 7 days in undergraduate students; however, further research in a stroke-only sample is required to confirm whether this finding could also apply to stroke survivors.…”

Evaluating the effectiveness of compensatory memory interventions in adults with acquired brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of memory and everyday outcomes.

“…In memory rehabilitation, these compensation-based approaches often involve teaching internal or external memory strategies (e.g., mnemonics, memory notebooks) that support memory function and help individuals compensate for existing memory impairments (Sherer & Sander, 2014; Velikonja et al, 2014). Evidence has shown that compensatory strategies can improve memory and everyday functioning post-ABI (Evans et al, 2020; Lawson et al, 2020; Sherer & Sander, 2014; Withiel et al, 2019; for reviews, see O’Neil-Pirozzi et al, 2016; Sohlberg et al, 2007). However, currently no review has provided a quantitative summary of the effectiveness of compensatory memory interventions.…”

“…compensatory strategies can improve memory and everyday functioning post-ABI (Evans et al, 2020;Lawson et al, 2020;Sherer & Sander, 2014;Withiel et al, 2019;for reviews, see O'Neil-Pirozzi et al, 2016;Sohlberg et al, 2007). However, currently no review has provided a quantitative summary of the effectiveness of compensatory memory interventions.…”

Memory rehabilitation: restorative, specific knowledge acquisition, compensatory, and holistic approaches

“…Participants showed improved recall of characteristic information from baseline to post-training assessment, which extended to those with severe memory deficits (Schacter et al 1985 ). In addition, retrieval practice has been shown to have greater benefits for ABI patients in word and name recall in comparison with spaced restudy and massed practice (Evans et al 2020 ; Sumowski et al 2014 ). Although it has been implemented with ABI patients, spaced retrieval training is more often directed toward older adults with cognitive impairments or dementia patients and has been successful for these groups (Censori et al 1996 ; Creighton et al 2013 ; Evans et al 2020 ; Haslam 2017 ; Haslam et al 2011 ).…”

“…In addition, retrieval practice has been shown to have greater benefits for ABI patients in word and name recall in comparison with spaced restudy and massed practice (Evans et al 2020 ; Sumowski et al 2014 ). Although it has been implemented with ABI patients, spaced retrieval training is more often directed toward older adults with cognitive impairments or dementia patients and has been successful for these groups (Censori et al 1996 ; Creighton et al 2013 ; Evans et al 2020 ; Haslam 2017 ; Haslam et al 2011 ). While spaced retrieval has shown success with patients in experimental settings, previous research has been criticized for the low ecological validity of the stimuli used in the studies and the role of errorless learning as part of the technique remains unclear (Creighton et al 2013 ; Haslam et al 2011 ).…”