Repetition-lag memory training is feasible in patients with chronic stroke, including those with memory problems.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Repetition-lag memory training was developed to increase individuals' use of recollection as opposed to familiarity in recognition memory. The goals of this study were to examine the feasibility of repetition-lag training in patients with chronic stroke and to explore whether the training might show suggestions of transfer to non-trained tasks.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Quasi-experimental.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Patients (n = 17) took part in six repetition-lag training sessions and their gains on the training and non-trained tasks were compared to those of age-matched healthy controls (n = 30).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

All but two patients completed the training, indicating that the method is feasible with a wide range of patients with stroke. The amount patients gained on the training task was similar to that of healthy controls (that is, the Group × Time interactions were by-and-large not significant), suggesting that patients with stroke might benefit to the same degree as healthy adults from this training. Both groups showed some indication of transfer to the non-trained backward digit span task and visuospatial memory.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that repetition-lag memory training is a possible approach with patients with stroke to enhance recollection. Further research on the method's efficacy and effectiveness is warranted.