Evaluation of the effectiveness of multi-task cognitive activation therapy combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effects of a multi-task cognitive activation therapy (MCAT) program combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: Patients with schizophrenia who received psychiatric day care treatment were included in this study. The study used a mirror-image test with a 3-month pre-intervention and intervention period each. MCAT training was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks for a total of 24 sessions. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia - Japanese version (BACS-J) and Facial Emotional Identified Test were used for the primary outcome; the secondary outcomes included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Life Assessment Scale for the Mentally Ill (LASMI).

Results: Thirty-six patients completed the intervention. The Z-score of the BACS-J before and after the intervention period included verbal memory (-1.98 ± 1.60 before intervention, -1.50 ± 1.41 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47) and motor function (-1.47 ± 1.71 before intervention, -0.93 ± 1.50 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47). Significant improvement was observed in the composite score (-2.31 ± 1.51 before intervention, -1.92 ± 1.38 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.52). Significant improvements were also observed on the PANSS comprehensive psychopathology scale and the LASMI interpersonal relationships scale. No other endpoints demonstrated significant improvements. The BACS-J composite score, which was the earliest BACS-J examination, was considered the baseline for all the participants in the moderate and severe groups. The severe group (n = 22) demonstrated significant improvements in the BACS-J verbal memory, composite score, and LASMI interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the MCAT may improve cognitive function and interpersonal relationships in patients with schizophrenia and severe or moderate cognitive impairment.