Cognitive training in adults with intellectual disability: pilot study applying a cognitive tele-rehabilitation program

Javier García-Alba; Susana Rubio-Valdehita; M Julia Sánchez; Amelia I M García; Susanna Esteba-Castillo; Marta Gómez-Caminero

doi:10.1080/20473869.2020.1764242

Cognitive training in adults with intellectual disability: pilot study applying a cognitive tele-rehabilitation program

Int J Dev Disabil. 2020 May 19;68(3):301-308. doi: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1764242. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Javier García-Alba¹, Susana Rubio-Valdehita², M Julia Sánchez³, Amelia I M García², Susanna Esteba-Castillo⁴, Marta Gómez-Caminero³

Affiliations

¹ Research and Psychology in Education Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
² Department of Social, Work and Differential Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
³ Psychology Department, Juan XXIII Roncalli Foundation, Madrid, Spain.
⁴ Specialized Department in Mental Health and Intellectual Disability, Parc Hospitalari Martí I Julia, Girona, Spain.

Abstract

Introduction: This pilot study analyzes the effect of a cognitive training program in adults with intellectual disability (ID).

Method: Twenty subjects (mean age 52.7 ± 9.77 years) with mild and moderate ID were divided in control and experimental group. Only the experimental group received the training program. This program was applied through the GNPT® (Guttmann, NeuroPersonalTrainer®) platform for people with ID.

Results: The results revealed a significant improvement in the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-2 scores (Matrices subtest) in the experimental group [Z = 2.12; p = .03] after the intervention, indicating an enhancement in fluid ability due to effect of cognitive training program.

Conclusion: Findings provide evidence of the importance of applying these programs in a systematized way in adults with ID.

Keywords: Guttmann; NeuroPersonalTrainer; cognitive training; fluid ability; intellectual disability.