NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 25, issue 4

Authors: Kessels, Roy P.C. | Olde Hensken, Linda M.G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This pilot study examines whether learning without errors is advantageous compared to trial-and-error learning in people with dementia using a procedural task and a randomized case-control design. A sample of 60 people was recruited, consisting of 20 patients with severe dementia, 20 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia and 20 participants without dementia. The participants had to acquire a novel procedural problem-solving task with the help of cues (errorless learning) or with cues only given in case an error was made (trial-and-error learning). The number of steps completed without assistance immediately after errorless or trial-and-error learning and after a delay of 1–3 …days was recorded. Overall performance was better after errorless learning compared to trial-and-error learning (p = 0.012), with effect sizes being largest in the mild-to-moderate dementia group after delayed testing (d = 1.61). The effects of errorless learning were larger after delayed testing. We conclude that errorless learning of a procedural task results in a better performance than learning with errors. This study is the first to use a controlled group design to show such a benefit in patients with dementia. These findings can be extended to the acquisition of tasks that are relevant for everyday-life functioning, having important implications for dementia care. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, cognitive rehabilitation, errorless learning, skill learning

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2009-0529

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 307-312, 2009

Authors: Joines, Sharon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To inform clinicians, caregivers and researchers involved with assessing and treating individuals with neurological disabilities of the benefits of universal design in enhancing quality of life. The improvement of quality of life has the potential to benefit the individuals with neurological disabilities and those whose lives overlap and intersect with those individuals. Methods: Literature and design reviews are used as a foundation for a model for incorporating and leveraging universal design to the benefit of the patient’s social sphere, which includes caregivers, family members and medical staff. By matching patients varied abilities with universal design solutions, the …model of universal design benefitting the patients’ social sphere will be demonstrated. Recommendations: Recommendations are made for clinicians and researchers that they may use in their practices and investigations in three areas: 1) educating patients about the benefits of universal design, 2) helping inform patients how to leverage universally designed products and approaches in their lives and living spaces and 3) understanding how to incorporate universal design principles into research and clinical spaces as demonstration pieces for patients. Show more

Keywords: Universal Design, neurological disabilities, inclusive design, design for all, stroke, spinal cord injury

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2009-0539

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 313-326, 2009