The Effect of Computer-based Cognitive Rehabilitation on Selective Attention in Children with Down Syndrome

Children with DS have cognitive developmental delays, they also have problems with their health-related quality of life; Therefore, the use of cognitive rehabilitation interventions for these children is of great importance. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on selective attention in children with DS. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included all male students with DS aged ۷ to ۱۲ years, who studied in exceptional children's schools of Rasht in the academic year ۲۰۲۰-۲۰۲۱; of which ۲۲ students were selected by available sampling method and according to the inclusion criteria. The experimental group was trained for ۱۰ sessions using Captain’s Log Cognitive Rehabilitation Software, but the control group did not receive any intervention. The Stroop Color and Word Test (۱۹۳۵) was used as pretest and posttest. Data were analyzed by SPSS۲۲ software using ANCOVA and paired sample t-test. The results showed a significant difference between experimental and control groups in attention scores (P<۰/۰۵). This suggests that computer-based cognitive rehabilitation promotes cognitive abilities in children with DS by stimulating brain areas related to executive functions; so, we suggest that future practitioners include this in the rehabilitation programs of these children from an early age.

کلیدواژه ها:

cognitive rehabilitation ، Selective attention ، Down syndrome