Evaluation of the effectiveness of multi‐task cognitive activation therapy combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia

TL;DR

This study found that a therapy combining motor and cognitive tasks improved cognitive function and social skills in schizophrenia patients.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a novel multi-task cognitive activation therapy for schizophrenia.

Findings

MCAT improved verbal memory and motor function in schizophrenia patients.

The therapy also enhanced composite cognitive scores and interpersonal relationships.

Significant improvements were observed in severe and moderate cognitive impairment groups.

Abstract

To examine the effects of a multi‐task cognitive activation therapy (MCAT) program combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia.

Patients with schizophrenia who received psychiatric day care treatment were included in this study. The study used a mirror‐image test with a 3‐month pre‐intervention and intervention period each. MCAT training was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks for a total of 24 sessions. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia ‐ Japanese version (BACS‐J) and Facial Emotional Identified Test were used for the primary outcome; the secondary outcomes included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Life Assessment Scale for the Mentally Ill (LASMI).

Thirty‐six patients completed the intervention. The Z‐score of the BACS‐J before and after the intervention period included verbal memory (−1.98 ± 1.60 before intervention, −1.50 ± 1.41 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47) and motor function (−1.47 ± 1.71 before intervention, −0.93 ± 1.50 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47). Significant improvement was observed in the composite score (−2.31 ± 1.51 before intervention, −1.92 ± 1.38 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.52). Significant improvements were also observed on the PANSS comprehensive psychopathology scale and the LASMI interpersonal relationships scale. No other endpoints demonstrated significant improvements. The BACS‐J composite score, which was the earliest BACS‐J examination, was considered the baseline for all the participants in the moderate and severe groups. The severe group (n = 22) demonstrated significant improvements in the BACS‐J verbal memory, composite score, and LASMI interpersonal relationships.

These results suggest that the MCAT may improve cognitive function and interpersonal relationships in patients with schizophrenia and severe or moderate cognitive impairment.

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