Efficacy of computerized cognitive training on improving cognitive functions of stroke patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of computerized cognitive training on the cognitive functions of stroke patients. Background: With increased publications on computerized cognitive training, a meta‐analysis is essential to determine the effects of computerized cognitive training among stroke patients. Design A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies. Data Sources: Cochrane Library, Pubmed, EBSCO, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc and Wanfang Database were explored to search for research studies from inception to January 2020. Review Methods: Six outcomes indicators were considered to determine the effects of computerized cognitive training. Two reviewers were selected to search and independently appraise the available articles from various databases. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 622 patients with 17 studies were included. Computerized cognitive training significantly improves global cognition, working memory, attention and executive function of stroke patients. However, there was inadequate evidence to demonstrate any effects of computerized cognitive training on activities of daily living and depression. Conclusion: Computerized cognitive training improves the cognitive functions of stroke patients. However, further research studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in activities of daily living as well as on alleviating depression. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Stroke commonly results in health impairments, particularly on cognitive functions, activities of daily living and depression, which may have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life.Previous studies indicated that computerized cognitive training is a safe and efficacious intervention for improving the cognition of older patients with dementia.Little is known about the efficacy of computerized cognitive training on improving cognitive functions, activities of daily living and depression among stroke patients. What this paper adds? Computerized cognitive training significantly improves global cognition, working memory, attention and executive function among stroke patients compared with control groups.No statistically significant effects were found on activities of daily living and depression.Subgroup analysis indicated that 4 and 12 weeks of medium‐high intensity computerized cognitive training showed significant improvement on global cognition for stroke patients. The implications of this paper: Healthcare providers should recognize the efficacy of computerized cognitive training on the cognitive rehabilitation of stroke patients.Cognitive outcome measurements vary between studies and further appraisal of reliability and validity is essential to avoid reporting bias and to validate research trials with uniform neuropsychological measurements.Further clinical trials are required with large samples and long‐term follow‐up of interventions and reporting adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]