Abstract for presentation at 6th World Congress on Brain Injury

Introduction:
Disorders of memory impairment are probably the most frequently diagnosed neuropsychological impairment in people with acquired brain injury. The present study adopted a recently reported successful technique - errorless (EL) learning - in rehabilitating people with memory disorders. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a newly developed computer-assisted memory rehabilitation programmes for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, which is theory-driven by errorless learning theory, neuroscience theory of “enriched” environment, and focused on working memory structure and the consolidation process of memory.
Method:
Randomized clinical trial was adopted in comparing a 20-session EL memory group with a face-to-face therapist-administered memory (TAMR) programme of identical training content, and a healthy control group, by means of highly selective, validated outcome measures. Outcome measures including Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, Hong Kong List Learning Test, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Functional Memory Questionnaire. Ongoing measures include an open-ended questionnaire and a checklist of memory training efficacy.
Results:
The encoding information of memory process has improved across all the three groups. The CAMR (F=10.00, df = 2,14, p =0.003) was found to be better than TAMR and control group by post hoc test of Turkey HSD. No significant difference was found across the three groups in total.
Conclusion:
These initial results seem to support errorless learning and enriched environment, i.e. E&E model mainly identified in immediate recall of memory patients in CAMR group might perform more actively and be more attentive to the learning task. Emotional and motivational factors also play a part in this active learning process. Intact of implicit memory may be initiated in training programmes. The results of the preliminary study are consistent with results from literature review.