Utility of a novel tablet computer software for memory impairment in participants with brain injuries: A randomized control trial

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effectiveness of a novel information and communication technology (ICT) tool developed for external memory compensation to improve memory function in participants with brain injuries. In this 3-month randomized control study, participants with memory impairment secondary to brain injury were randomly assigned on a 1:1 basis to either intervention (the ICT tool [ARATA]) or 3-month waitlist control groups. This study’s primary outcome measure was memory-related difficulties in everyday life, assessed using the Everyday Memory Checklist (EMC). Secondary outcomes included tests for memory function and psychosocial status, all of which were administered by blinded assessors. Seventy-eight participants (53 males, 25 females; mean age, 43.5 ± 12.7 [SD] years) were enrolled and 39 participants were allocated to each group (intervention and control). There was no significant difference in EMC scores between the two groups throughout the study (mean 0.26; 95% CI: −2.55–3.07; p=0.853); however, the intervention group scored significantly higher on the Rivermead Behavioural Memory and General Self-Efficacy tests compared to the control group. While the ICT tool did not improve the primary study outcome, evidence suggests that the ICT tool can improve memory functions related to activities of daily living.

KEYWORDS:

• Memory aids
• brain injury
• assistive technology
• evaluation of memory
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgments

We are deeply grateful to Kyoto University Hospital, Goshominami Rehabilitation Clinic, Kyoto Municipal Rehabilitation Promotion Center, Waraidaiko, Hyogo Day Service Center, Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Center Hospital, Nishieigashima Hospital, Yamaguchi Prefecture Mental Health Medical Center, and Support Friends Hot Pal for helping the recruits and supporting the patients. The use of ARATA was supported by INSAIT. This study was conducted Grants-in Aid for scientific research of Labor and Welfare.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, JI, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research under grant number 150502-02.