The effect of internet-based cognitive rehabilitation in persons with memory impairments after severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: The current study examined whether cognitive rehabilitation delivered over the Internet was associated with improvements in functioning.

Research design: A total of 14 individuals with medically documented traumatic brain injury completed this study. Participants completed 30 sessions of an active calendar acquisition intervention and 30 sessions of a control diary intervention in a cross-over study design for a total of 60 online sessions. All sessions were completed using an instant messaging system via the Internet. Measures of cognitive functioning, ratings of memory and mood and frequency of use of common memory and cognitive compensation techniques were gathered from participants and family members.

Main outcomes and results: There were no significant differences between the active and control conditions on the primary outcome measure of memory functioning. However, significant improvements in use of compensatory strategies as well as family reports of improved memory and mood were observed following completion of all sessions. Individuals with less use of compensatory strategies at baseline were significantly less likely to complete the study.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the Internet may be an effective delivering mechanism for compensatory cognitive rehabilitation, particularly among individuals who are already utilizing some basic compensatory strategies.