The effects of visual skills training on cognitive and executive functions in stroke patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Marc Niering, Johanna Seifert
PMID 38532485WHAT IT FOUND
Visual skills training improved global cognition and daily living tasks, but showed only small effects on executive functions.
The evidence is inconsistent and often confounded by other therapies, so do not assume visual training alone drives these gains.
Key findings
01Visual skills training produced a moderate-sized effect on global cognitive function.
02Visual skills training produced a small-sized effect on executive functions.
03Visual skills training produced a moderate effect on activities of daily living.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
High heterogeneity: The studies used vastly different types of visual training, durations, and outcome measures, making it difficult to draw precise conclusions. Confounded interventions: Many studies did not separate the visual training from other therapies like physical or occupational therapy, so it is unclear if the visual component caused the improvement. Low methodological quality: Many included studies lacked blinding of participants and investigators, and some had inadequate allocation concealment. Small sample sizes: The individual studies were often small, and the total number of participants per outcome measure was limited. Sensitivity to outliers: Removing just two studies from the global cognition analysis significantly reduced the effect size, suggesting the results are fragile.
Declared interests
No specific funding sources or author conflicts of interest are detailed in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that visual skills training alone is responsible for the observed improvements in cognition or daily living. Many of the included studies combined visual training with other therapies, and the high heterogeneity means the results are inconsistent. The evidence does not support replacing standard rehabilitation with visual training.