Combined effects of restorative and compensatory rehabilitation training on executive functions in stroke with mild cognitive impairment.

Abstract

This study evaluated combined restorative and compensatory rehabilitation on executive functions in acute stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled trial with 36 acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke patients compared combined restorative and compensatory rehabilitation (<i>n</i> = 18) to conventional therapy (<i>n</i> = 18). Outcomes were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Cognitive Assessment Scale (CASP), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL<b>)</b> at baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks, analyzed with ANOVA methods. By week 9, the experimental group showed clear gains. MOCA rose from 20.5 ± 2.3 to 27.1 ± 1.8 (95% CI 26.3-28.0, p0.05). CASP from 45.2 ± 4.8 to 50.3 ± 4.0 (95% CI 48.0-52.6, p0.05) and MRS improved more than controls (3.5 ± 0.7 → 2.7 ± 0.5, p<0.05). SSQOL declined in controls 140.2 ± 12.1 to 128.0 ± 10.2 (p0.05). Combined restorative and compensatory rehabilitation proved more effective than conventional cognitive training, enhancing executive functioning, independence, and quality of life in stroke survivors with mild cognitive impairment.