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

PURPOSE: This study evaluated combined restorative and compensatory rehabilitation on executive functions in acute stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial with 36 acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke patients compared combined restorative and compensatory rehabilitation (n = 18) to conventional therapy (n = 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) at baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks, analyzed with ANOVA methods.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.