The effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on improvement of working memory and executive functions among women with multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on improvement of working memory and executive function among female patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In the semi-experimental research design with pre/post-test and two months follow up with control group; 36 women with multiple sclerosis were selected through available sampling. Then they were randomly assigned into three groups (each group including 12 subjects). The experimental group was trained by computer-based cognitive rehabilitation; the Placebo group received physical rehabilitation intervention, and the control group received no intervention. All participants were evaluated in the first and the last sessions by the Wisconsin and PASAT Tests. The investigation was done during 21 sessions (5 months) in Arak city. Data was analyzed by multivariate analysis with repeated measures and with SPSS-24 software. Results showed that the main effect of time (pretest, post-test, follow up) is significant on working memory and executive function scores. Also the effect of time interaction in a group is significant on working memory and executive function scores. It is concluded that the computer-based cognitive rehabilitation is effective on improvement of executive functions of female patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it is recommended to use this therapeutic intervention in clinical centers in conjunction with other methods.