Effect of neurotraining on the cognitive rehabilitation of brain damage or dysfunction : an initial analysis

Typescript.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Hawaii, 1985.Bibliography: leaves 199-213.Photocopy.xi, 213 leaves, bound ill. 29 cmA quasi-experimental evaluation of the effects of neurotraining (as a broad spectrum approach similar to psychotherapy) on the recovery of function following brain damage or dysfunction was conducted on all adult patients (on whom sufficient information was available) referred for testing and training to the Neuropsychology Service at Hawaii State Hospital. Initial testing and annual retestings on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery on the entire subject (N = 58) and quasi-control (N = 13) groups served as dependent variables. Additional semi-annual ratings on the Competency Index (a pencil and paper rating of life skills performance scored by the patients themselves, their neurotherapists and patient significant others), ratings of patient productivity as reflected by hours of productive activity (employment or housework, etc.) and salary level, ratings of independence (defined as the obverse of the need for supervision) and of physical recovery (e.g. from hemiparesis as a result of cerebral vascular accident) were obtained on a portion of the patient group (N = 24). These ratings were utilized as indicators of training generalization. Non-parametric statistical analysis and visual display demonstrated no significant difference in improvement between patients and quasi-control subjects on psychometric measures. Yet the subset of patients rated on life skills performance manifested significant improvements not only on psychometric measures of cognitive function but on the Competency Index ratings and possible improvement in "independence". Although treatment effectiveness was not demonstrated, the possible presence of generalization of training effects in life skills performance warrants further research investigation