Date Presented 04/04/2025
Technology is increasingly used in cognitive rehabilitation of adults with acquired brain injury (ABI), yet the effect on functional performance is unclear. The focus of this review supports the role of OT and evidence-informed practice.
Primary Author and Speaker: Noga Katz
Contributing Authors: Amy Ransohoff-Brisson, Katherine Tarazona Sanchez, Thurston Zane Sicadsicad, Gerald Voelbel
Acquired brain injuries (ABI) can impact cognitive abilities and independent living. Technological modalities such as computer-based and virtual reality have shown promise, but the state of the evidence needs to be better understood.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of technology-enhanced (TE) remediation interventions on functional improvements of adults with ABI. Specifically, the primary outcome of interest is the improvements of behaviors of everyday functional performance.
DESIGN: The literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to reduce bias. Database search was conducted via CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycNET via PsycINFO, resulting in 5,236 articles published between 2002-2022.
METHOD: Covidence was utilized for screening according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Studies measuring cognitive or functional outcomes of adults with ABI following TE interventions with cognitive components met full-text eligibility.
RESULTS: Forty-eight studies were selected and assessed for level of evidence and risk of bias. Findings indicated that 33.33% of the 48 showed enhanced functional performance, along with improved cognitive outcomes. Particularly, improved ADL performance and psychosocial health were observed after computer-based interventions, and improved IADL performance was noted following VR training.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review emphasized the evident benefits of TE in improving functional outcomes of adults with ABIs. Due to the variance of interventions, outcomes, participants’ injuries, and the methodology of studies, results should be interpreted with caution.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The focus on the enhancement of cognitive functions and functional performance provides a robust review for occupational therapists who provide evidence-informed practice in neurorehabilitation.
References
Cognition, Cognitive Rehabilitation, and Occupational Performance. (2019). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(Supplement_2), 7312410010p1–7312410010p25. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S201
Bayley, M. T., Janzen, S., Harnett, A., Teasell, R., Patsakos, E., Marshall, S., Bragge, P., Velikonja, D., Kua, A., & Douglas, J. (2023). INCOG 2.0 guidelines for cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury: Methods, overview, and principles. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 38(1), 7–23.
