Preliminary Feasibility and Benefits of a Hybrid-Facilitated Cognitive Exercise Group for Adults Post-Acquired Brain Injury in a Community Residential Setting.

PURPOSE: Cognitive exercise is an activity that people engage in to maximize brain health and function. A hybrid cognitive exercise group model creates an opportunity to potentially benefit adults with chronic moderate-severe (m-s) cognitive impairments post-acquired brain injury (ABI) in community residential settings. This article reports preliminary feasibility, enjoyment, and potential cognitive benefits of a 1-year hybrid cognitive exercise group from participant and trained in-person volunteer facilitator perspectives.

METHOD: Ten adults residing in a community home participated in the group directed by a rehabilitation speech-language pathologist (SLP) via an internet-based videoconferencing platform and facilitated by three in-person trained volunteers in this mixed-methods single-group study. Attendance, retention, and postgroup satisfaction data were obtained from participants and facilitators. Pre-/postgroup cognitive testing data were obtained from participants.

RESULTS

Participants and facilitators attended more than 90% of sessions, with 100% retention. Eighty percent of participants reported that the group was extremely helpful, and 90% reported that it was extremely enjoyable, with 100% wanting to continue in the group. Episodic memory and processing speed were significantly improved postgroup. Facilitators reported that the group was extremely helpful and enjoyable to participants, with 100% wanting to continue helping run the group.

CONCLUSIONS

Engagement in a hybrid cognitive exercise group led online by a rehabilitation SLP was perceived feasible by adults with chronic m-s cognitive impairments post-ABI residing in a community home and trained in-person volunteer facilitators. Cognitive benefits may be associated with this model of economical, time-efficient, and enjoyable group engagement. Further study is warranted.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.29710805.