Researchers implement training programme for chronic psychiatric patients to improve cognitive and motor development

English version: Diana Taborda

A research team, coordinated by the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC) of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC) and by the NeuroRehabLab of the University of Madeira, have tested a computerized cognitive training programme consisting of cognitive and motor activities, in chronic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia, depressive and bipolar disorders, in long-stay inpatient units.

This computerized cognitive training, called Full-Body Interaction Cognitive Training (FBI-CT), has shown positive impacts on cognitive indicators such as processing speed, attention sustained for short periods of time and verbal memory, as well as on non-cognitive indicators such as a decrease in depressive symptoms.

With this study, the team sought to "assess the feasibility and acceptability of the programme, as well as analyse its impact on cognitive (for example, attention, memory, executive functions) and non-cognitive indicators (such as quality of life, functional capacity and emotional state)", explains Joana Câmara, CINEICC researcher and first author of the study. " Up to now, scientific studies evaluating the impact of combined interventions with a functional focus in psychiatric populations are still scarce, as this is an innovative topic in the process of therapeutic intervention in these clinical pictures," adds the researcher.

The training was developed using the Musiquence platform, which allows for the customisation of the training according to the user's specific traits. The programme sessions were organized by distinct functional themes, with the goal of bringing cognitive training tasks closer to actions that people have to perform in real life, in order to train functional skills and promote involvement and motivation. The topics covered included functional communication, using public transport, cooking meals, shopping, financial management and managing health-related issues.