Efficacy of the Rehacom Cognitive Rehabilitation Software on Cognitive Function Improvement in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, A Randomized Clinical Trial

Somayeh  Hasani; Seyedeh Maryam  MoshirianFarahi; Haniyeh Zarif  Golbaryazdi

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20882

Somayeh Hasani Faculty of Humanities, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran
Seyedeh Maryam MoshirianFarahi Faculty of Humanities, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran
Haniyeh Zarif Golbaryazdi Faculty of Humanities, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20882

Keywords: Cognitive Rehabilitation, RehaCom, Cognitive Function, Diabetes Mellitus, Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the efficacy of the “Rehacom” cognitive rehabilitation software on five key cognitive domains—working memory, information processing speed, attention, inhibition, and executive functions—in patients diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test experimental design with a control group was employed. A sample of 30 diabetic patients was recruited via convenience sampling and randomly allocated to either the experimental group (receiving Rehacom software intervention for 12 sessions) or the control group. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Rehacom software itself and the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS). Each session lasted 45 minutes.

Results: Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) revealed a significant overall effect of the intervention on the composite of dependent variables (Wilks’ Lambda= 0.184, F (5.24)= 7.978, P< 0.001). Subsequent Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the intervention significantly enhanced “attention” (η²= 0.236, P= 0.016) and “executive functions” (η²= 0.621, P< 0.001). However, no significant impact was observed on working memory, information processing speed, or inhibition.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Rehacom software serves as an effective tool for improving attention and executive functions in diabetic patients. The notable effect sizes for these two domains underscore its clinical utility in cognitive rehabilitation programs for chronic patients. The absence of effects on other components may be attributable to factors such as the limited duration of the intervention, specific software exercises, or the underlying neurochemical and pathophysiological characteristics of diabetes, warranting further investigation with more robust designs