[Training in cognitive functions in neurologic rehabilitation of craniocerebral trauma]

Abstract

This study evaluates a new cognitive rehabilitation therapy for patients after severe head injury. In addition to the standard neurological rehabilitation therapy, one group was trained by the Wiener Determinationsgerät (WDT), a second group was treated by the new program REHACOM, while a third group received only conventional neurological rehabilitation therapy. The three groups each consisted of 12 patients; two groups received 20 sessions of training, each lasting 40 minutes. At the beginning as well as after the therapy a psychological test battery was applied, consisting of HAWIE, TULUC, AACHENER APHASIETEST, and BENTON-Test. They were also tested by a specific neuropsychological battery regarding hemispheric specialization. REHACOM showed significantly higher values on the HAWIE as well as on BENTON-Test than the other two groups. REHACOM also improved in right-hemispheric dimensions while WDT group did not improve in attention. Right-hemispheric training was more effective than attentional stimulation.