Article

Stroke patients with a low memory self-efficacy (MSE) report more
memory complaints than patients with a high MSE.
The aim of this study
was to examine the effect of a memory-training program on MSE in the chronic
phase after stroke and to identify which patients benefit most from the MSE training program. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of
the MSE training program (experimental group) was compared with a peer support
program (control group) in chronic stroke patients. The primary outcome was MSE,
measured using the Metamemory-In-Adulthood Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes
included depression, quality of life, and objective verbal memory capacity.
Changes in outcomes over the intervention period were compared between both
groups. Demographic and clinical variables were studied as potential predictors
of MSE outcome in the experimental group. RESULTS: In total, 153 patients were
included: mean age = 58 years (standard deviation [SD] = 9.7), 54.9% male, and
mean of 54 months (SD = 37) after stroke. Of these, 77 were assigned to the
training and 76 to the control group. Improvement of MSE (B = 0.40; P = .019) was
significantly greater in the training than in the control group. No significant
differences were found for the secondary outcomes. An increase in MSE after
training was predicted by a younger age (B = -0.033; P = .006) and a better
memory capacity (B = 0.043; P = .009), adjusted for baseline MSE. CONCLUSIONS:
MSE can be improved by the MSE training program for stroke patients. Younger
patients and patients with a better memory capacity benefit most from the MSE
training program (Dutch Trial Register: NTR-TC 1656).

Langue : ANGLAIS