The effect of hierarchical executive function training on stroke survivors′ executive dysfunction during recovery

Objective To explore the effect of hierarchical executive function training on executive dysfunction among stroke survivors. Methods Thirty-six recovering stroke survivors with executive dysfunction were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=18) and a control group (n=18). Both groups received routine rehabilitation training and medication for three weeks, but the experimental group also received working memory training, inhibitory control training, set shifting training, and central executive function training. Before and after the training, everyone′s cognitive functioning was screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and executive functioning was evaluated using the digit span test (DST), the color trail test (CTT), the complex fluency test and the simple fluency test. Results Before the training there were no significant differences in clinical indicators between the two groups. After the treatment, the average MoCA, DST, CTT complex fluency test and simple fluency test scores of the experimental group had all improved significantly, but no significant improvement in any of the measurements was observed in the control group except for a significant improvement in their average MoCA score. Conclusion Hierarchical executive function training can improve the sub-components of executive function among recovering stroke survivors, including working memory, set shifting and fluency. Key words: Stroke; Executive function