The effects of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in patients with visuospatial neglect following stroke: a systematic review

Katrine Svaerke*, Miriam Niemeijer, Jesper Mogensen, Hanne Christensen

*Corresponding author for this work
    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objectives: To identify studies concerning the effects of computer based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) on visuospatial neglect (VN) after stroke to summarize the current state of knowledge in this research field and make recommendations for future research. Methods: Four electronic databases were systematically searched. Authors of relevant studies were contacted to detect unpublished data or articles not found by searching databases. Data was extracted from included studies using predefined coding schemes and characteristics and results of individual studies were summarized qualitatively. Selection criteria: Studies were included if at least 50% of the included patients had a stroke, if the studies explored the effects of CBCR as a primary intervention for rehabilitation of VN and if they included neuropsychological outcome measures for the presence of VN. Results: Seven studies were included. Six of the seven studies suggested positive effects of CBCR on VN after stroke. However, the study that did not find these effects was also the study with the strongest methodological quality. All included studies consisted of small samples, varied greatly in design and had various methodological limitations. Conclusion: Because the existing literature is very sparse and studies have various methodological limitations, it is currently not possible to either support or reject the effects of CBCR on VN after stroke. Future studies should aim to compare CBCR with active and passive control conditions and include larger samples in randomized and blinded designs.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation
    Volume26
    Issue number3
    Pages (from-to)214-225
    Number of pages12
    ISSN1074-9357
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2019

    Keywords

    • computer-based cognitive rehabilitation
    • stroke
    • Visuospatial neglect

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