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Jacobsen HB, Solvoll Lyby P, Johansen T, Reme SE, Klungsøyr O. Can cognitive inflexibility reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression? Promoting the structural nested mean model in psychotherapy research. Psychother Res 2023; 33:1096-1116. [PMID: 37433125 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2221808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the causal effect of executive functioning on the remission of depression and anxiety symptoms in an observational dataset from a vocational rehabilitation program. It is also an aim to promote a method from the causal inference literature and to illustrate its value in this setting. METHOD With longitudinal (four-time points over 13 months) data from four independent sites, we compiled a dataset with 390 participants. At each time point, participants were tested on executive function and self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. We used g-estimation to evaluate whether objectively tested cognitive flexibility affected depressive/anxious symptoms and tested for moderation. Multiple imputations were used to handle missing data. RESULTS The g-estimation showed a strong causal effect of cognitive inflexibility reducing depression and anxiety and modified by education level. In a counterfactual framework, a hypothetical intervention that could lower cognitive flexibility seemed to cause improvement in mental distress at the subsequent time-point (negative sign) for low education. The less flexibility, the larger improvement. For high education, the same but weaker effect was found, with a change in sign, negative during the intervention and positive during follow-up. DISCUSSION An unexpected and strong effect was found from cognitive inflexibility on symptom improvement. This study demonstrates how to estimate causal psychological effects with standard software in an observational dataset with substantial missing and shows the value of such methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Børsting Jacobsen
- CatoSenteret Rehabilitation Center, Son, Norway
- The Mind-Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Johansen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
| | - Silje Endresen Reme
- The Mind-Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Klungsøyr
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department for Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo, Norway
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Heikkinen AL, Hänninen T, Kuikka P, Akila R, Savolainen A, Valtonen T, Umer A, Lötjönen J, Hublin C, Remes AM, Paajanen T. The Cognitive Function at Work Questionnaire (CFWQ): A new scale for measuring cognitive complaints in occupational population. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023; 30:649-660. [PMID: 34482772 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1970553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive functioning is a relevant work and health related topic, however, validated methods to assess subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) at work are lacking. We introduce the Cognitive Function at Work Questionnaire (CFWQ) for measuring SCC in occupational settings. 1-year follow-up data of 418 employees from a Finnish public media service company was analyzed. Participants completed web-based CFWQ, cognitive tests and a broad set of questionnaires for evaluating depression, anxiety, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, burnout, stress, mental job burden, work ability, cognitive errors, and perceived health. The factor analysis yielded a model with the CFWQ subdomains: Memory, Language, Executive Function, Speed of Processing, Cognitive Control and Name Memory. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .87) and the test-retest constancy (ICC = .84) reflected good reliability. Correlation between the CFWQ and cognitive errors at work ranged from .25 to .64 indicating adequate concurrent validity. Employees with depression, insomnia and burnout symptoms had higher (p < .001) CFWQ scores than participants without these symptoms. Depression and burnout symptom severity as well as accumulation of mood, sleep, and psychosocial stressors were associated with higher CFWQ scores (p < .001 in all). The CFWQ appears psychometrically sound measure for the assessment of SCC in occupational population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Leena Heikkinen
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
- MRC, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tuomo Hänninen
- Neurology, Neurocenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Kuikka
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ritva Akila
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aslak Savolainen
- Occupational Health Services, Finnish Broadcasting Company, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teppo Valtonen
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adil Umer
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Christer Hublin
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- MRC, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Teemu Paajanen
- Work Ability and Working Careers, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Gkintoni E, Ortiz PS. Neuropsychology of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Clinical Setting: A Systematic Evaluation. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2446. [PMID: 37685479 PMCID: PMC10486954 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This research paper provides a systematic review of the neuropsychology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), examining relevant articles' methodologies and subject matter and highlighting key findings. It suggests potential cognitive deficits in GAD patients, such as subtle attention, executive function, and working memory deficiencies. It also discusses neural correlates of GAD, particularly the hyperactivity in the amygdala and insula, and the additional impact of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. The paper uses the PRISMA methodology and draws data from the PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Elsevier databases. Although the reviewed research has contributed to understanding GAD's cognitive and neural mechanisms, further research is required. Additionally, the paper mentions the clinical neuropsychology of GAD, including strategies and treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and medication. Lastly, the review identifies the limitations of the existing research and recommends future directions to enhance the understanding of GAD's underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms. The neural underpinnings of GAD encompass heightened activity within the amygdala and insula, which are brain regions implicated in processing adverse emotional reactions. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), can also impact neuropsychological functioning. Additional investigation is warranted to better understand the intricate interplay between GAD, cognitive performance, and underlying neural processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Gkintoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Van Patten R, Iverson GL. Examining associations between concussion history, subjectively experienced memory problems, and general health factors in older men. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:119-140. [PMID: 34668844 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1991481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine associations between subjective memory complaints (SMCs), concussion history, and cognitive, psychological, and physical health in older men from the general population. METHOD Participants were 504 men aged 50-79 who were recruited using an online labor market. Participants completed a survey assessing demographics, medication history, concussion history, recent memory problems, and additional aspects of recent cognitive, mental, and physical health. RESULTS Men with a lifetime history of ≥3 concussions also reported a lifetime history of being prescribed medication for anxiety (46.8%), depression (43.5%), chronic pain (79.0%), and high blood pressure (66.1%). When asked about symptoms experienced over the past year and the past week, they endorsed higher rates of cognitive and mental health problems, migraines, and difficulties with sleep and fatigue. The multivariable logistic regression model for predicting mild or greater memory problems was significant, χ2(8) = 168.97, p < .001. In unadjusted analyses, significant predictors, in order of magnitude (strongest to weakest), were fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 3.21), back or neck pain (OR = 2.28), migraines (OR = 2.11), anxiety (OR = 2.07), depression (OR = 2.04), difficulty sleeping (OR = 1.98), and concussion history (OR = 1.49). In the multivariable model, only back or neck pain (OR = 1.51, p = .004) and fatigue (OR = 1.99, p = .004) were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS A personal history of multiple concussions was associated with perceived memory problems, but to a lesser degree than fatigue, back or neck pain, and migraines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Van Patten
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Grant L Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Spaulding Research Institute, Charlestown, MA, USA.,MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, USA.,Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Charlestown, MA, USA
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Johansen T, Øyeflaten I, Eriksen HR, Lyby PS, Dittrich WH, Holsen I, Jakobsen H, Del Risco Kollerud R, Jensen C. Sustained Attention and Working Memory Predict the Number of Days on Health-Related Benefits in the Year Following Occupational Rehabilitation. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:592-603. [PMID: 33471320 PMCID: PMC8298247 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cognitive and emotional functioning and the number of days on health-related benefits such as sick leave, work assessment allowance and disability pension. We investigated whether cognitive and emotional functioning at the start of rehabilitation and the change from the start to the end of rehabilitation predicted the number of days on health-related benefits in the year after occupational rehabilitation. Methods A sample of 317 individuals (age 19-67 years), mainly diagnosed with a musculoskeletal or mental and behavioural ICD-10 disorder, participated. The sample was stratified depending on the benefit status in the year before rehabilitation. Those receiving health-related benefits for the full year comprised the work assessment allowance and disability pension (WAA) group and those receiving benefits for less than a year comprised the sick leave (SL) group. The participants were administered cognitive and emotional computerised tests and work and health questionnaires at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. The cumulative number of days on health-related benefits during 12 months after rehabilitation was the primary outcome variable and age, gender, educational level, subjective health complaints, anxiety, and depression were controlled for in multiple regression analyses. Results The WAA group (n = 179) was significantly impaired at baseline compared to the SL group (n = 135) in focused attention and executive function, and they also scored worse on work and health related variables. Higher baseline scores and change scores from the start to the end of rehabilitation, for sustained attention, were associated with fewer number of health-related benefit days in the WAA group, while higher baseline scores for working memory were associated with fewer number of health-related benefit days in the SL group. Conclusions New knowledge about attention and memory and return to work in individuals with different benefit status may pave the way for more targeted programme interventions. Rehabilitation programmes could benefit from designing interventions that respectively improve sustain attention and working memory related to working life in individuals on sick leave or work assessment allowance and disability pension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Johansen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway.
| | - Irene Øyeflaten
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway
- NORCE, Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hege R Eriksen
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Winand H Dittrich
- FOM Hochschule, KCI Competence Center for Behavioral Economics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Inge Holsen
- Red Cross Haugland Rehabilitation Center, Flekke, Norway
| | | | - Ruby Del Risco Kollerud
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway
| | - Chris Jensen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Haddlandsvegen 20, 3864, Rauland, Norway
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Subjective cognitive complaints and permanent work disability: a prospective cohort study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:901-910. [PMID: 33462663 PMCID: PMC8238735 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Work disability (WD) is a medico-legal concept that refers to disability benefits (DB) granted due to diseases. We assessed whether subjective cognitive complaints (SCC)-presenting as self-rated difficulties of concentration, memory, clear thinking, and decision making-predict permanent WD in knowledge-intensive occupations. METHODS In this prospective cohort study with up to 7-year follow-up, we combined the SCC questionnaire results with reliable registry data on the DBs of 7161 professional/managerial employees (46% females). We excluded employees who were on long-term sickness absence (SA) or had received a DB at baseline. The exposure variable was the presence of SCC. Age and SA before the questionnaire as a proxy measure of general health were treated as confounders and the analyses were conducted by gender. The outcome variable was a granted DB. The cumulative incidence function illustrates the difference between SCC categories, and the Fine-Gray model estimates the predictors of WD during the 8-year follow-up. RESULTS The annual incidence of DB was 0.15% in the entire cohort: 0.18% among the females, and 0.12% among the males (p = 0.795). The most common primary reasons for permanent WD were mental (36%) and musculoskeletal (20%) disorders. SCC predicted DB in both genders when controlling for age and prior SA. Hazard ratios were 2.9 with a 95% confidence interval 1.4-6.0 for the females and 3.7 (1.8-7.9) for the males. CONCLUSION Subjective cognitive complaints predict permanent WD in knowledge-intensive occupations. This finding has implications for supporting work ability and preventing work disability among employees with cognitively demanding tasks.
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Pihlajamäki M, Arola H, Ahveninen H, Ollikainen J, Korhonen M, Nummi T, Uitti J, Taimela S. Subjective cognitive complaints and sickness absence: A prospective cohort study of 7059 employees in primarily knowledge-intensive occupations. Prev Med Rep 2020; 19:101103. [PMID: 32420012 PMCID: PMC7218151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Subjective cognitive complaints predict sickness absence. Age and prior absence also predict sickness absence in an additive fashion. Maintenance of resources is important in knowledge-intensive occupations.
Knowledge-intensive work requires capabilities like monitoring multiple sources of information, prioritizing between competing tasks, switching between tasks, and resisting distraction from the primary task(s). We assessed whether subjective cognitive complaints (SCC), presenting as self-rated problems with difficulties of concentration, memory, clear thinking and decision making predict sickness absence (SA) in knowledge-intensive occupations. We combined SCC questionnaire results with reliable registry data on SA of 7743 professional/managerial employees (47% female). We excluded employees who were not active in working life, on long-term SA, and those on a work disability benefit at baseline. The exposure variable was the presence of SCC. Age and SA before the questionnaire as a proxy measure of general health were treated as confounders and the analyses were conducted by gender. The outcome measure was the accumulated SA days during a 12-month follow-up. We used a hurdle model to analyse the SA data. SCC predicted the number of SA days during the 12-month follow-up. The ratio of the means of SA days was higher than 2.8 as compared to the reference group, irrespective of gender, with the lowest limit of 95% confidence interval 2.2. In the Hurdle model, SCC, SA days prior to the questionnaire, and age were additive predictors of the likelihood of SA and accumulated SA days, if any. Subjective cognitive complaints predict sickness absence in knowledge-intensive occupations, irrespective of gender, age, or general health. This finding has implications for supporting work ability (productivity) among employees with cognitively demanding tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Pihlajamäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Heikki Arola
- Terveystalo, Jaakonkatu 3b, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jyrki Ollikainen
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Mikko Korhonen
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Tapio Nummi
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Jukka Uitti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Finland.,Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Finland.,Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Tampere, Finland
| | - Simo Taimela
- Clinicum, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Evalua International, PO Box 35, FIN-02661 Espoo, Finland
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Johansen T, Jensen C, Eriksen HR, Lyby PS, Dittrich WH, Holsen IN, Jakobsen H, Øyeflaten I. Occupational Rehabilitation Is Associated With Improvements in Cognitive Functioning. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2233. [PMID: 31649584 PMCID: PMC6795755 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Occupational rehabilitation may be offered to workers on long-term sick leave who often report problems with cognitive functioning, anxiety, depression, pain, and reduced work ability. The empirical knowledge is sparce on how occupational rehabilitation may influence cognitive and emotional functioning and patients have not previously been subjected to comprehensive objective testing. The main aim of this study was to assess possible changes in cognitive and emotional functioning such as memory, attention, executive function, and emotion recognition among patients in occupational rehabilitation. Methods A large sample of 280 sick-listed workers referred to inpatient and outpatient occupational rehabilitation was recruited. The rehabilitation programs had a mean duration of 28 days and comprised physical activity, cognitive behavior treatment components and collaboration with the workplace. A pre-post design was applied to investigate possible changes in cognitive and emotional functioning (primary outcomes) and work and health measures (secondary outcomes), comparing the rehabilitation group with a control group of 70 healthy workers. Individuals in the control group were tested at random time points with an approximately 28 day interval between pre- and post-test, thus coinciding with the duration of rehabilitation. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the main analyses. Results Compared to the control group, the rehabilitation group had greater gains from pre- to post-test in focused and sustained attention, as well as greater improvements in work ability and reduction in subjective health complaints (SHC), helplessness, pain, pain related to work, anxiety, and depression. In the rehabilitation group, exploratory correlational analysis indicated that improvements in focused and sustained attention were associated with improvements in return-to-work self-efficacy, work ability as well as a reduction in SHC. Conclusion The sick-listed workers improved in focused and sustained attention and work and health measures after participating in occupational rehabilitation. This study is one of the first to systematically investigate changes in cognitive and emotional functioning during occupational rehabilitation. Clinical practice should benefit from increased knowledge about all cognitive functions and should be specifically aware of the improvements in focused and sustained attention, while memory, executive function and emotion recognition remained unchanged. The results can be used as a motivation to tailor specific interventions to gain further improvements in all cognitive and emotional functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Johansen
- National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
| | - Chris Jensen
- National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway.,Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hege R Eriksen
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Winand H Dittrich
- FOM Hochschule, KCI Competence Center for Behavioral Economics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Inge N Holsen
- Red Cross Haugland Rehabilitation Center, Flekke, Norway
| | | | - Irene Øyeflaten
- National Advisory Unit on Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway.,Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive functioning is commonly disrupted in people living with chronic pain, yet it is an aspect of pain that is often not routinely assessed in pain management settings, and there is a paucity of research on treatments or strategies to alleviate the problem. The purpose of this review is to outline recent research on cognitive deficits seen in chronic pain, to give an overview of the mechanisms involved, advocate cognitive functioning as an important target for treatment in pain populations, and discuss ways in which it may be assessed and potentially remediated. METHODS A narrative review. RESULTS There are several options for remediation, including compensatory, restorative, and neuromodulatory approaches to directly modify cognitive functioning, as well as physical, psychological, and medication optimization methods to target secondary factors (mood, sleep, and medications) that may interfere with cognition. DISCUSSION We highlight the potential to enhance cognitive functions and identify the major gaps in the research literature.
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Aasvik JK, Woodhouse A, Stiles TC, Jacobsen HB, Landmark T, Glette M, Borchgrevink PC, Landrø NI. Effectiveness of Working Memory Training among Subjects Currently on Sick Leave Due to Complex Symptoms. Front Psychol 2017; 7:2003. [PMID: 28111555 PMCID: PMC5216020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The current study examined if adaptive working memory training (Cogmed QM) has the potential to improve inhibitory control, working memory capacity, and perceptions of memory functioning in a group of patients currently on sick leave due to symptoms of pain, insomnia, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Participants who were referred to a vocational rehabilitation center volunteered to take part in the study. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either a training condition (N = 25) or a control condition (N = 29). Participants in the training condition received working memory training in addition to the clinical intervention offered as part of the rehabilitation program, while participants in the control condition received treatment as usual i.e., the rehabilitation program only. Inhibitory control was measured by The Stop Signal Task, working memory was assessed by the Spatial Working Memory Test, while perceptions of memory functioning were assessed by The Everyday Memory Questionnaire-Revised. Results: Participants in the training group showed a significant improvement on the post-tests of inhibitory control when compared with the comparison group (p = 0.025). The groups did not differ on the post-tests of working memory. Both groups reported less memory problems at post-testing, but there was no sizeable difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Results indicate that working memory training does not improve general working memory capacity per se. Nor does it seem to give any added effects in terms of targeting and improving self-perceived memory functioning. Results do, however, provide evidence to suggest that inhibitory control is accessible and susceptible to modification by adaptive working memory training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K. Aasvik
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Astrid Woodhouse
- Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Disorders, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science of TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Tore C. Stiles
- Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Disorders, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Henrik B. Jacobsen
- Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Disorders, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
| | - Tormod Landmark
- National Competence Centre for Complex Disorders, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
| | - Mari Glette
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
| | - Petter C. Borchgrevink
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
- Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Disorders, St. Olav's University HospitalTrondheim, Norway
| | - Nils I. Landrø
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheim, Norway
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