Effects of early intensive cognitive function training on neurological function and activities of daily living of patients with cerebral stroke

Objective：To explore the effects of early intensive cognitive function training on the neurological function and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with cerebral stroke (CS). Methods：A total of 124 patients with CS were randomly divided into the control group (given systemic rehabilitation therapy, n=62) and the combined group (given early intensive cognitive function training and systemic rehabilitation therapy, n=62). Scores of neurological deficit scale (NDS), modified Barthel index (MBI), simple Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA), and Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognition Assessment (LOTCA) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results：After treatment, the NDS score ［(11.53±3.34) points, (19.07±6.11) points］ of the two groups was significantly decreased compared with that before treatment ［(26.72±7.13) points, (26.29±7.08) points］ (P<0.05) while the scores of MBI ［(63.85±9.21) points, (47.36±8.93) points］, LOTCA ［(69.40±9.33) points, (60.53±8.95) points］ and FMA ［(69.40±9.33) points, (60.53±8.95) points］ were significantly increased compared with those before treatment ［(30.65±8.82) points, (31.04±8.86) points; (46.15±8.57) points, (46.48±8.60) points; (21.10±5.34) points, (21.69±5.38) points］(P<0.05), and the changes in scores of NDS, MBI, LOTCA, and FMA in the combined group were greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions：Early intensive cognitive function training can effectively improve the prognosis, the neurological function, cognitive function, motor function, and ADL of patients with CS, and reduce the burden on the family.