Journal of Health And Care
Volume 27, Issue 1 (spring 2025)
JHC 2025, 27(1): 66-80 |
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Ethics code: IR.UMA.REC.1403.016
Clinical trials code: IRCT20240521061854N1
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Alaei Kalajahi M, Atadokht A, Porzoor P. Effectiveness of Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Positive and Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Flexibility in Patients with Schizophrenia. JHC 2025; 27 (1) :66-80
URL: http://hcjournal.arums.ac.ir/article-1-1607-en.html
URL: http://hcjournal.arums.ac.ir/article-1-1607-en.html
Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract: (120 Views)
Background: Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder characterized by a combination of positive and negative symptoms, as well as cognitive impairments such as deficits in cognitive flexibility. These factors significantly impact the quality of life and functional outcomes of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on positive and negative symptoms and cognitive flexibility in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods: This was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The study population included all patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation centers in Ardabil city. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia based on psychiatric evaluations and clinical interviews were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia and the computerized version of the simple Stroop test. The experimental group underwent computer-based cognitive rehabilitation using Captain's Log software over 12 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS v26.
Results: The results indicated that computer-based cognitive rehabilitation significantly reduced positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and improved cognitive flexibility in patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that changes observed in positive and negative symptoms and cognitive flexibility during the post-test phase were maintained during the follow-up phase.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in addressing positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive flexibility in patients with schizophrenia, this intervention can play a vital role in comprehensive therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, it can contribute to improving clinical symptoms and functional abilities in individuals with schizophrenia.
Methods: This was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The study population included all patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation centers in Ardabil city. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia based on psychiatric evaluations and clinical interviews were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia and the computerized version of the simple Stroop test. The experimental group underwent computer-based cognitive rehabilitation using Captain's Log software over 12 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS v26.
Results: The results indicated that computer-based cognitive rehabilitation significantly reduced positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and improved cognitive flexibility in patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that changes observed in positive and negative symptoms and cognitive flexibility during the post-test phase were maintained during the follow-up phase.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in addressing positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive flexibility in patients with schizophrenia, this intervention can play a vital role in comprehensive therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, it can contribute to improving clinical symptoms and functional abilities in individuals with schizophrenia.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Psychiatric Nursing
Received: 2024/12/10 | Accepted: 2025/05/20 | Published: 2025/03/30
Received: 2024/12/10 | Accepted: 2025/05/20 | Published: 2025/03/30
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