EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review

The Netherlands Organisation of Health Research and Development; Rehabilitation Research Programme; Institute of Rehabilitation Research
Occurrence and Measurement of Transfer in Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Critical Review
Geusgens, C. A., Winkens, I., et al. (2007).
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(6), 425-439.

Indicators of Review Quality:

Description: This is a review of research studies investigating the transfer effects of compensatory strategy use to everyday situations. Populations include adults with a clinical diagnosis of acquired brain injury following stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Question(s) Addressed:

1. What is the occurrence of transfer of cognitive strategy training for persons with acquired brain injury? 
2. How is the transfer measured?

Population: Adults with a clinical diagnosis of acquired brain injury following stroke or acquired brain injury.

Intervention/Assessment: Cognitive strategy training with outcome measures for transfer

Number of Studies Included: 41

Years Included: 1982 - 2005

Findings:

Conclusions:

• Treatment
  • Cognitive-Communication
    • Compensatory Memory & Attention Treatments
      • A relatively small number of studies were found assessing the transfer effects of cognitive strategy training. The majority of studies included participants with the diagnosis of stroke and evaluated the transfer of training effects in areas of neglect, language and memory. Other domains of functioning examined were problem solving/executive functioning, information processing, apraxia and daily activities.
      • The authors indicated that “most studies reported positive results with regard to the occurrence of transfer of training effects” (p. 437).
      • Methodological weaknesses limit the strength of the evidence from these studies. Future studies are needed to specifically address transfer effects. 

Keywords: Brain Injury, Stroke, Cognitive Rehabilitation

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Added to Compendium: February 2012