Effect of cognitive rehabilitation on outcomes for persons with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

We evaluated evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation met hods to improve outcomes for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBT). A s earch of MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library pr oduced 600 potential references. Thirty-two studies met predetermined inclu sion criteria and were abstracted; data from 24 were placed into evidence t ables. Two randomized controlled trials and one observational study provide d evidence that specific forms of cognitive rehabilitation reduce memory fa ilures and anxiety, and improve self-concept and interpersonal relationship s for persons with TBI. The durability and clinical relevance of these find ings is not established. Future research utilizing control groups and multi variate analysis must incorporate subject variability and must include stan dard definitions of the intervention and relevant outcome measures that ref lect health and function.