Evaluation of the effectiveness of multi-task cognitive activation therapy combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effects of a multi‐task cognitive activation therapy (MCAT) program combining motor and cognitive tasks in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Patients with schizophrenia who received psychiatric day care treatment were included in this study. The study used a mirror‐image test with a 3‐month pre-intervention and intervention period each. MCAT training was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks for a total of 24 sessions. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia-Japanese version (BACS-J) and Facial Emotional Identified Test were used for the primary outcome; the secondary outcomes included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Life Assessment Scale for the Mentally Ill (LASMI). Results: Thirty‐six patients completed the intervention. The Z‐score of the BACS-J before and after the intervention period included verbal memory (−1.98 ± 1.60 before intervention, −1.50 ± 1.41 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47) and motor function (−1.47 ± 1.71 before intervention, −0.93 ± 1.50 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.47). Significant improvement was observed in the composite score (−2.31 ± 1.51 before intervention, −1.92 ± 1.38 after intervention, P < 0.01, r = 0.52). Significant improvements were also observed on the PANSS comprehensive psychopathology scale and the LASMI interpersonal relationships scale. No other endpoints demonstrated significant improvements. The BACS-J composite score, which was the earliest BACS‐J examination, was considered the baseline for all the participants in the moderate and severe groups. The severe group (n = 22) demonstrated significant improvements in the BACS-J verbal memory, composite score, and LASMI interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: These results suggest that the MCAT may improve cognitive function and interpersonal relationships in patients with schizophrenia and severe or moderate cognitive impairment.