Affiliations: Department of Cognitive Psychology and Methodology,
University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel,
Basel, Switzerland
Note: [] Corresponding author: Iris-Katharina Penner, PhD, Department of
Cognitive Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstr. 60/62, CH-4055 Basel,
Switzerland. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Purpose: Evaluation of two different training schedules of a
computer based working memory training (BrainStim) in patients with
multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Forty-five MS outpatients were allocated to two
different training groups and a control group without training. Patients with
treatment received 16 training sessions scheduled either as a high intensity
training (4 times per week for 4 weeks) or as a distributed training (2 times
per week for 8 weeks). A neuropsychological test battery including self-report
measures was applied at baseline and at retest. The baseline assessment was
performed twice at an interval of two weeks to control for possible learning
effects. Results: In the outcome measures training for both
intervention groups led to significantly improved fatigue symptoms as well as
working memory -, and mental speed performances. Log files recorded during
training showed a similar increase in levels of difficulty for both
intervention groups as training progressed. No effects were found on short term
memory, quality of life or depression. Conclusions: Since comparable improvements were observed in
both training groups, BrainStim can be applied as a therapeutic
intervention adjusted to the personal agenda of MS patients.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, cognitive rehabilitation, working memory, computerized training, BrainStim
