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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016:2016:4292585.
doi: 10.1155/2016/4292585. Epub 2016 Dec 27.

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cognitive, Behavioural, and MRI Study

J Campbell  1 , D Langdon  2 , M Cercignani  1 , W Rashid  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cognitive, Behavioural, and MRI Study

J Campbell et al. Neural Plast. 2016.

Abstract

Aim. To explore the efficacy of home-based, computerised, cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis using neuropsychological assessment and advanced structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods. 38 patients with MS and cognitive impairment on the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) were enrolled. Patients were randomised to undergo 45 minutes of computerised cognitive rehabilitation using RehaCom software (n = 19) three times weekly for six weeks or to a control condition (n = 19). Neuropsychological and MRI data were obtained at baseline (time 1), following the 6-week intervention (time 2), and after a further twelve weeks (time 3). Cortical activations were explored using fMRI and microstructural changes were explored using quantitative magnetisation transfer (QMT) imaging. Results. The treatment group showed a greater improvement in SDMT gain scores between baseline and time 2 compared to the control group (p = 0.005). The treatment group exhibited increased activation in the bilateral prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal regions relative to control group at time 3 (p < 0.05FWE corrected). No significant changes were observed on QMT. Conclusion. This study supports the hypothesis that home-based, computerised, cognitive rehabilitation may be effective in improving cognitive performance in patients with MS. Clinical trials registration is ISRCTN54901925.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. J. Campbell and Professor M. Cercignani have nothing to disclose. Dr W. Rashid has accepted educational grants and travel bursaries from Genzyme, Biogen-Idec, Novartis, and Teva and has also participated in advisory boards with Bayer, Novartis, Biogen-Idec, and Genzyme. Professor D. Langdon (i) has received research grants from Bayer, Novartis, and Biogen and has also participated in advisory board with Bayer, Novartis, and Teva is also in the speaker Bureau for Teva, Roche, Bayer, Novartis, and Biogen.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Improvement in SDMT slope immediately after intervention.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Increased activations in treatment group relative to controls at follow-up. (a) Increased activation in treatment group in right parietal region (white arrow, p < 0.012FWE  corrected) and left prefrontal region (dashed arrow, p < 0.001FWE  corrected). (b) Bilateral frontal gyrus activation in treatment group relative to controls. Left MFG activation (arrow) significant at p ≤ 0.042FWE  corrected at cluster level (k = 152).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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