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Effect of the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program among Chinese older adults with chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study

2009; Wiley; Volume: 25; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/gps.2403

1099-1166

Christopher L. F. Chan, Elena K. Y. Ngai, Paul K. Leung, Stephen E. Wong,

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program in older adults with chronic schizophrenia. Methods Older adults with chronic schizophrenia were recruited from a long‐stay care setting and were randomly assigned into intervention ( n = 12) and control group ( n = 15). The intervention group received 10‐session of VR program that consisted of 2 VR activities using IREX. The control group attended the usual programs in the setting. Results After the 10‐session intervention, older adults with chronic schizophrenia preformed significantly better than control in overall cognitive function ( p .000), and in two cognitive subscales: repetition ( p .001) and memory ( p .040). These participants engaged in the VR activities volitionally. No problem of cybersickness was observed. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that engaging in the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program offers the potential for significant gains in cognitive function of the older adults with chronic schizophrenia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.