Effectiveness of a programme based on a virtual reality game for cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia

• Published in: Gaceta sanitaria Vol. 30; no. 2; p. 133
• Main Authors: López-Martín, Olga, Segura Fragoso, Antonio, Rodríguez Hernández, Marta, Dimbwadyo Terrer, Iris, Polonio-López, Begoña
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Attention; Cognition; Humans; Learning; Schizophrenia - rehabilitation; Time Factors; Verbal Learning; Video Games - psychology; Cognitive domains; Estudio experimental; Esquizofrenia; MATRICS; Virtual reality; Schizophrenia; Experimental study; Realidad virtual; Dominios cognitivos
• ISSN: 1578-1283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2015.10.004

To evaluate the effectiveness of a programme based on a virtual reality game to improve cognitive domains in patients with schizophrenia. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 40 patients with schizophrenia, 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. The experimental group received 10 sessions with Nintendo Wii(®) for 5 weeks, 50 minutes/session, 2 days/week in addition to conventional treatment. The control group received conventional treatment only. Statistically significant differences in the T-Score were found in 5 of the 6 cognitive domains assessed: processing speed (F=12.04, p=0.001), attention/vigilance (F=12.75, p=0.001), working memory (F=18.86, p <0.01), verbal learning (F=7.6, p=0.009), visual learning (F=3.6, p=0.064), and reasoning and problem solving (F=11.08, p=0.002). Participation in virtual reality interventions aimed at cognitive training have great potential for significant gains in different cognitive domains assessed in patients with schizophrenia.