Barcelona Test Research Articles

The Effects of an 8-Week Cognitive-Motor Training Program on Proprioception and Postural Control Under Single and Dual Task in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week cognitive-motor training program on postural control and knee proprioception under single and dual task conditions. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: The present study was registered with the ID number NCT04786132. A total of 20 healthy and physically active older adults (73.25 ± 5.98 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group (EG and CG). Postural control was measured with the Romberg test, with open (RBOE) and closed eyes (RBCE) and under unipodal dominant side (RUDL) conditions. Proprioception was assessed by measuring participants' ability to reposition their dominant knee at 45°. Finally, performance of the cognitive task was measured through a subscale of the Barcelona Test called "categorical evocation in associations". The EG and the CG completed 8-week training programs with two sessions, 30 min per week, of postural control and proprioception exercises. The EG additionally included music in each session. Results: The analysis using a mixed ANOVA model revealed no significant group × time interaction effects (p < 0.05) for any of the assessments. However, a significant main effect for the time factor was observed, with both the control and experimental groups showing improved outcomes in the post-intervention measurements. Specifically, significant results were found for RBOE (F (4,15) = 11.87, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.76), RBCE (F (4,15) = 11.62, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.75), and proprioception (F (1,18) = 11.53, p < 0.003, η2p = 0.39). Conclusions: The 8-week training program had a positive impact on the post-intervention results for motor control and proprioception, but not on the results of the cognitive task. There were no significant differences between the groups that carried out sessions with or without music.

Post-Cracking Properties of Concrete Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers through the Barcelona Test.

The Barcelona method was developed as an alternative to other tests for assessing the post-cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete, with the main advantage being that it uses significantly smaller specimens compared to other methods. For this reason, it can provide a solution for characterizing concrete in hard-to-reach constructions such as roads and tunnels. On the other hand, polypropylene (PP) fibers have gained increased attention in recent years within the scientific community due to their high tensile strength and cost-effectiveness. This research aimed to understand the influence of PP fiber volume, slenderness (l/d), and reinforcement index on post-cracking properties of concrete, including toughness and residual strength (f_res), using the Barcelona method. Three fiber volumes, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%, and three slenderness ratios, 46.5, 58.1, and 69.8, were employed in normal-strength concrete. In addition to the reference mixture without fibers, 10 mixtures were prepared with 10 specimens each, resulting in a total of 100 specimens. Pearson's hypothesis test was employed to determine the existence of correlations between variables, followed by scatter plots to generate predictive equations between post-cracking properties and fiber attributes. The results indicated no direct correlation between fiber slenderness and post-cracking properties. Regarding fiber volume, there was a correlation with residual strength but not with toughness. However, the combined effect of volume and slenderness, the reinforcement index, correlates with the post-cracking properties of concrete. Finally, four predictive equations for toughness and residual strength were derived based on the reinforcement index. These equations can prove valuable for designing structures made of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete.

The Global Deterioration Scale for Down Syndrome Population (GDS-DS): A Rating Scale to Assess the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

The aim of this study is to adapt and validate the global deterioration scale (GDS) for the systematic tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression in a population with Down syndrome (DS). A retrospective dual-center cohort study was conducted with 83 participants with DS (46.65 ± 5.08 years) who formed the primary diagnosis (PD) group: cognitive stability (n = 48), mild cognitive impairment (n = 24), and Alzheimer's disease (n = 11). The proposed scale for adults with DS (GDS-DS) comprises six stages, from cognitive and/or behavioral stability to advanced AD. Two neuropsychologists placed the participants of the PD group in each stage of the GDS-DS according to cognitive, behavioral and daily living skills data. Inter-rater reliability in staging with the GDS-DS was excellent (ICC = 0.86; CI: 0.80-0.93), and the agreement with the diagnosis categories of the PD group ranged from substantial to excellent with κ values of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.99). Performance with regard to the CAMCOG-DS total score and orientation subtest of the Barcelona test for intellectual disability showed a slight progressive decline across all the GDS-DS stages. The GDS-DS scale is a sensitive tool for staging the progression of AD in the DS population, with special relevance in daily clinical practice.

Self-perceived cognitive function and neuropsychological performance in women with fibromyalgia.

Cognitive dysfunction is a common complain in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). To assess the perceived cognitive function and cognitive performance in women with FM. Cross-sectional study including 100 women with FM (FMG) and 100 healthy controls (CG). Self-perceived cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognition scale (FACT-Cogv3). The neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Span test (DS), Barcelona test (DS-F/B) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB-E), Spanish version test. The mean scores of all cognitive self-perception factors and all neuropsychological tests were lower in the FMG (p < 0.001). Over 90% of the FMG took longer than the population mean (P50) to complete the TMT-A and TMT-B tests, while in the CG, 1/3 took longer than the P50 in both tests. The minimum expected scores for the DS-F and DS-B tests were not achieved by 40 and 9% of FMG participants, respectively. According to FAB-E, 54% and 24% of FMG were categorized as fronto-subcortical deficit and fronto-subcortical dementia, respectively. Women with FM have a higher perception of cognitive dysfunction and lower cognitive performance in objective tests than healthy women. More research is needed to explore the clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic characteristics that predispose to cognitive deficits in this group of patients.

Toward Personalized Web-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation for Patients With Ischemic Stroke: Elo Rating Approach.

BackgroundStroke is a worldwide cause of disability; 40% of stroke survivors sustain cognitive impairments, most of them following inpatient rehabilitation at specialized clinical centers. Web-based cognitive rehabilitation tasks are extensively used in clinical settings. The impact of task execution depends on the ratio between the skills of the treated patient and the challenges imposed by the task itself. Thus, treatment personalization requires a trade-off between patients’ skills and task difficulties, which is still an open issue. In this study, we propose Elo ratings to support clinicians in tasks assignations and representing patients’ skills to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aims to stratify patients with ischemic stroke at an early stage of rehabilitation into three levels according to their Elo rating; to show the relationships between the Elo rating levels, task difficulty levels, and rehabilitation outcomes; and to determine if the Elo rating obtained at early stages of rehabilitation is a significant predictor of rehabilitation outcomes.MethodsThe PlayerRatings R library was used to obtain the Elo rating for each patient. Working memory was assessed using the DIGITS subtest of the Barcelona test, and the Rey Auditory Verbal Memory Test (RAVLT) was used to assess verbal memory. Three subtests of RAVLT were used: RAVLT learning (RAVLT075), free-recall memory (RAVLT015), and recognition (RAVLT015R). Memory predictors were identified using forward stepwise selection to add covariates to the models, which were evaluated by assessing discrimination using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for logistic regressions and adjusted R2 for linear regressions.ResultsThree Elo levels (low, middle, and high) with the same number of patients (n=96) in each Elo group were obtained using the 50 initial task executions (from a total of 38,177) for N=288 adult patients consecutively admitted for inpatient rehabilitation in a clinical setting. The mid-Elo level showed the highest proportions of patients that improved in all four memory items: 56% (54/96) of them improved in DIGITS, 67% (64/96) in RAVLT075, 58% (56/96) in RAVLT015, and 53% (51/96) in RAVLT015R (P<.001). The proportions of patients from the mid-Elo level that performed tasks at difficulty levels 1, 2, and 3 were 32.1% (3997/12,449), 31.% (3997/12,449), and 36.9% (4595/12,449), respectively (P<.001), showing the highest match between skills (represented by Elo level) and task difficulties, considering the set of 38,177 task executions. Elo ratings were significant predictors in three of the four models and quasi-significant in the fourth. When predicting RAVLT075 and DIGITS at discharge, we obtained R2=0.54 and 0.43, respectively; meanwhile, we obtained AUC=0.73 (95% CI 0.64-0.82) and AUC=0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.89) in RAVLT075 and DIGITS improvement predictions, respectively.ConclusionsElo ratings can support clinicians in early rehabilitation stages in identifying cognitive profiles to be used for assigning task difficulty levels.

El impacto del nivel educativo en las valoraciones cognitivas de los pacientes jóvenes ingresados en rehabilitación tras un ictus isquémico

Introduction and objectiveWe propose to assess the impact of educational level on cognitive tests at admission and discharge after a period of cognitive rehabilitation in young patients after ischaemic stroke. Materials and methodsWe considered secondary and higher education (group A) and less than 6 years of formal education (group B). We compared A and B using χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis. We studied A and B as predictors of verbal and working memory at discharge. Verbal and working memories were assessed at admission and discharge using Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and DIGITS of the Barcelona Test respectively. ResultsWe analysed n=277 patients (55% belonging to A, mean age of 51 years) admitted to a specialised centre in Spain between 2009 and 2019.We found significant differences (P<.05) at admission, all in favour of A in the assessments of attention, inhibition, visuoperception, visuoconstruction, verbal fluency and comprehension.In DIGITS and RAVLT-learning we found differences at admission. In Digits and RAVLT-recognition we found differences at discharge, all in favour of A. We found no differences in age, severity, time at admission, or length of stay in hospital.Nor did we find differences in cognitive gains or treatment efficiency in memory tests.The groups A and B did not predict RAVLT (R2=.53) or DIGITS (R2=.48). ConclusionsA scores better in 63% of tests at admission and in 75% of tests at discharge, A and B are similar in gains and efficiency on memory tests.

Neural network-aided prediction of post-cracking tensile strength of fibre-reinforced concrete

Structural fibres are an effective method to improve concrete post-cracking tensile strength (fctR). Currently, the characterization of this property is mainly performed experimentally. This is a source of uncertainties at design stages, which hinders the development of new fibre type and/or optimization of those currently existing. This paper presents a multilayer perceptron neural network to predict fctR of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) subjected to the Barcelona Test. The optimal architecture of the predictor is obtained by evaluating 9216 configurations of input dimension and number of hidden layers and neurons. The generalization performance is assessed using repeated random sub-sampling validation with 50 iterations. The final model can predict with high accuracy the fctR of FRC for different cracking stages. A parametric analysis is performed to prove coherence between the results predicted by the model and the established understanding of the FRC behaviour. Finally, numerical expressions are provided as an alternative tool to traditional testing to predict the residual strength of the Barcelona Test for pre-design and quality control purposes based on fibre dosage, concrete strength, specimen type and height and fibre geometric characteristics. These type of approaches are found to be necessary for boosting the development of the FRC technology.

The use of the Barcelona test as quality control of fiber reinforced shotcrete for underground mining

The application of fiber reinforced shotcrete as primary system support in underground mining applications faces major quality control problems due to the complex setup and sophisticated equipment necessary to obtain the mechanical parameters from bending tests. Considering the advantages presented by the double punch test (also known as Barcelona), the present work investigated the influence of the machine stiffness and system control methodology (using the actuator LVDT and circumferential extensometer under closed loop) on the post-peak behavior of FRC of the Barcelona test and its correlation with three-point bending tests. While machines with higher stiffness significantly reduced the post-crack instabilities and mitigated the correlation errors, the circumferential extensometer control successfully limited the machine influence on the post-crack properties of FRC.

Consumers' expectations and liking of traditional and innovative pork products from European autochthonous pig breeds

The aim of the study was to ascertain the acceptability of Traditional (T) and Innovative (IT) pork products by European consumers considering also the influence of the sensory properties. The tests were performed in Barcelona, Bologna, Toulouse and Zagreb, with products from autochthonous pig breeds Porc Negre Mallorquí (patties), Cinta Senese (dry-fermented sausages), Gascon-Noir de Bigorre (dry-cured hams) and Turopolje (dry-cured hams), respectively. The methodological approach relied on the expectancy-disconfirmation model and the assimilation theory (blind, expected and informed tests). All consumers had a similar behaviour: higher expectations of T and IT differentiating them significantly from the remaining products, except in Barcelona test, because consumers in this city were not acquainted with the production system. Innovation in T products focusing on healthy and process innovation highlighted the need to provide information about the breed and the production system, but we can conclude that the sensory quality had a significant role on the preferences of consumers.

Datos normativos del test Barcelona revisado-abreviado para personas mayores cognitivamente activas

IntroductionNeuropsychological assessment is mandatory in order to identify cognitive changes that occur during either normal or pathological aging. However, normative data adapted to the characteristics of the population are needed in order to reduce the probability of false diagnoses of cognitive impairment. The aim of the present work was to compute normative data for cognitively active elderly people attending a University course for the elderly. Materials and methodsAn analysis was performed on the data from 87 participants (70.9% women) with a mean age of 66.73 years who undertook the abbreviated- revised Barcelona test (test de Barcelona revisado-abreviado). Normative data were calculated using linear regressions controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Adjusted normative data were compared with normative data available from the test manual and obtained from the general population. ResultsYears of education and gender showed the highest weights in the regression model. Normative data for cognitively active older adults showed a different number of low scores compared to normative data from the general population. The number of low scores were related to years of education and general cognitive functioning. ConclusionsNormative data obtained from cognitively active older people could help identify more accurately the cognitive functioning of cognitively active older people than do normative data obtained from the general population.

Alternative quality control of steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete (SFRSC)

Steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete (SFRSC) is used in applications with high structural capacity requirements. The quality control of SFRSC typically includes the assessment of toughness-related properties and measurement of the fibre content. The toughness may be measured with the beam test to EN 14488-3:2006, whereas the fibre content is generally measured by manual methods, such as collecting and weighing the fibres. Both procedures are time-consuming, difficult to perform and challenging to conduct with specimens extracted from the in-situ structure. These difficulties can therefore limit the frequency of characterization and hence potentially compromise the reliability of the information obtained, thus hindering the capacity of engineers to either detect potential problems or to optimize the material. The objective of this work therefore is to explore a simpler SFRSC quality control system that includes the inductive method for the assessment of fibre content and the Barcelona test for the assessment of toughness. Dry-mix SFRSC with five fibre contents were sprayed and tested with beam, Barcelona and inductive tests. Results confirm the greater sensitivity of the Barcelona test and the advantages of combining it with the inductive method for an enhanced quality control. Furthermore, equations are proposed to predict the beam test results using the Barcelona test results. These equations provide a good fit (R2 = 0.97) regardless of the fibre content in the mix, thus confirming the robustness of the approach both for the classification and for the quality control of SFRSC.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (S-OCS): psychometric properties of a short cognitive stroke-specific screening tool

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen in a subacute stroke population. Participants and setting: Fifty-seven subacute stroke outpatients and 54 healthy individuals were recruited in Alicante province, Spain. Main measure: The Oxford Cognitive Screen. Other measures: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Barcelona test, and the Barthel Index. Design: A validation study was conducted to analyze the inter-rater, intra-rater, test–retest, and internal consistency of the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Barcelona test, and divergent validity using the Barthel index. Discriminant indices such as the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and optimal cut-offs were also estimated. Results: The subtests of the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen showed excellent estimates for the inter-reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.790 to 1.000; rs = 0.693 to 1.000), and acceptable-good for intra-reliability (ICC = 0.181 to 0.990) and test–retest reliability (rs = 0.173 to 0.971). Internal consistency was also excellent (standardized Cronbach’s α = 0.907). Spearman correlations for the concurrent validity were low-strong (rs = −0.193 to 0.95) and low-moderate (rs = −0.091 to 0.443) for divergent validity. The optimal cut-offs estimated for the subtests of the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen showed good-high specificity (66.7%–100%) and positive predictive value (67.9%–100%), and low-good sensitivity (14.8%–83.3%) and moderate-good negative predictive value (53.5%–76.6%). Discriminant power as measured by the area under the curve indicated acceptable-good values (0.397 to 0.894). Conclusion: Our findings support that the Spanish version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen is a reliable and valid tool for screening cognitive impairments in subacute stroke patients.

Use of BCN test for controlling tension capacity of fiber reinforced shotcrete in mining works

Fiber reinforced shotcrete (FRS) is widely used for tunnel construction. However, the systematic control of FRS properties is hampered by the complexities of the experimental procedures used. The experiments are normally based on the load-deflection response obtained from flexural tests with third-point loading performed under displacement control. These types of tests are characterized by instability when the cracking load is reached and, subsequently, errors occur in the deflection measurements, increasing the dispersion of the results. An alternative test, the Barcelona test, has some experimental advantages for FRS control as the use of much smaller specimens, an easy procedure and a lower scatter.Using the mean crack opening, correlations were established between the Barcelona test and the flexure test to estimate the toughness and residual strengths at a deflection of 3.0 mm. Equivalences between the two tests were obtained based on the laboratory results and were validated based on work site results, with differences of less than 5% of the residual strength.These relationships and advantages have allowed the Barcelona test to be proposed to control the properties of the FRSs used in the Chuquicamata Underground (Chuquicamata Subterránea) Project developed by the mining company CODELCO-Chile.

Neuropsychological Test Barcelona-2: Theoretical and Practical Aspects

The Barcelona test (TB) is an instrument of neuropsychological assessment, developed under the influence of Luria’s ideas, and published in 1990 [1]. It explores the main cognitive functions and allows the design of graphic profiles similar to those of the Boston Test for the diagnosis of aphasia. Objective: To present the theoretical and practical characteristics of a new version of the test, the Test Barcelona-2. The new and computerized versions of test structure is described here with six modules established: (1) Language-attention-orientation; (2) Reading and writing; (3) Motorpraxis; (4) Perception-gnosis; (5) Memory; (6) Abstraction-execution. As a novelty, test allows the selection for specific profiles: alpha, beta, abbreviated, aphasia, andecological-forensic approach. The types of variables condition a different statistical approach and a differentiated form of graphic expression. The new test presents a modular structure, which allows determining intra- and inter-module dissociations. Computerization greatly facilitates the work of the clinician. In the case of aphasia the test allows to differentiate easily all its clinical forms.&#x0D; Keywords: Test Barceona-2, neuropsychological test; computerized workstation, modular structure

Experimental investigation of recycled aggregate effect on the concrete properties

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a laboratory investigation on measuring the tensile strength of recycled concrete using a double punch test. Furthermore, one of the main goals of this study is to compare the tensile and compressive strengths of recycled concrete samples.Design/methodology/approachRecycled concrete samples were made with variables such as aggregate type (natural stone and aggregate recycled concrete), different water-to-cement ratios and different treatment conditions in the first stage. In the next stage, the double punch test was performed on them, and finally the results obtained from experiments were analyzed and investigated.FindingsAccording to the above tests, it was concluded that: first, according to the laboratory results, the strength of concrete containing recycled aggregates becomes closer to the strength of concrete containing natural aggregates whenever the water-to-cement ratio is higher. Second, upon investigating the treatment conditions, it was observed that the treatment had a greater effect on the strength of the recycled concrete. However, this effect was less tangible in tensile strength. Third, upon investigating the results of tensile strength, it can be said that the Barcelona test results were closer to the direct tensile test results compared to the Brazilian test results. This indicates the higher viability of Barcelona’s test results. Fourth, the results obtained from the Barcelona tensile test for recycled concrete were closer to the results of the direct tensile test compared to the concrete containing natural aggregates, which suggests that the Barcelona test is more suitable as a tensile test for recycled concrete. Fifth, the effects of various factors on tensile strength were somewhat less compared to the compressive strength, although very close. Sixth, the relationships provided by the regulation for concrete tensile strength on compressive strength were highly inconsistent with the results obtained from the direct tensile test, for which the consistency was higher for concrete containing natural aggregates compared to recycled concrete. Seventh, the dispersion of results obtained from tensile tests was higher for recycled concrete compared to concrete containing natural aggregates, but lesser of this dispersion was observed in the compressive strength.Originality/valueAccording to the laboratory results, the strength of concrete containing recycled aggregates becomes closer to the strength of concrete containing natural aggregates whenever the water-to-cement ratio is higher. Upon investigating the treatment conditions, it was observed that the treatment had a greater effect on the strength of the recycled concrete. However, this effect was less tangible in tensile strength. On the basis on the results of the tensile strength, it can be said that the Barcelona test results were closer to the results of the direct tensile test compared to those of the Brazilian test. This indicates the higher viability of Barcelona’s test results. The results obtained from the Barcelona tensile test for recycled concrete were closer to the results of direct tensile test compared to the concrete containing natural aggregates, which suggests that the Barcelona test is more suitable as a tensile test for recycled concrete. The effects of various factors on tensile strength were somewhat less compared to the compressive strength, although very close. The relationships provided by the regulation for concrete tensile strength on compressive strength were highly inconsistent with the results obtained from the direct tensile test, for which the consistency was higher for concrete containing natural aggregate compared to recycled concrete. The dispersion of results obtained from tensile tests was higher for recycled concrete compared to concrete containing natural aggregate, but lesser of this dispersion was observed in the compressive strength.

Correlation between bending test and Barcelona tests to determine FRC properties

The use of fiber reinforced concretes (FRC) as a substitute for reinforcement meshes, particularly in the construction of tunnels, frequently faces quality control problems because the specifications and acceptability criteria are based on parameters obtained from the flexion test of standard EN-14651, which is very difficult to perform at works. Considering the advantages presented by the Barcelona test, in this paper, equivalences are established between both tests, which allow estimating the FRC toughness and residual strengths. The predictions of these properties obtained using the Barcelona tests results present a maximum difference of less than 20%.

Assessing the potential of functionally graded concrete using fibre reinforced and recycled aggregate concrete

Despite ordinary Portland cement concrete presenting low performance in tension and a negative impact on the natural environment, it is the most used construction material. Researchers have noted that the usage of fibres as reinforcement and recycled aggregates, instead of natural ones, may minimize these issues. The concept of functionally graded material for new composite materials is proposed to address these problems. In this paper, five different concrete mixes were produced to analyse the potential of using functionally graded concretes (FGC) for sustainable structures. Their mechanical performance, a sustainable quality control method for these materials and their costs and embodied CO2 were analyzed. The results show that FGC, even though showing a post-cracking flexural performance lower than conventional FRC, possesses high potential in terms of structural design based on Model Code 2010 specifications. The equations provided to use the Barcelona test to control the material, which is more environmentally friendly than the standardized beam test, may facilitate the introduction of FGC in the construction market. Finally, considering costs and embodied CO2, FGC presents a good prospect to be used as structural material for future sustainable concrete elements.

Fibre distribution and tensile response anisotropy in sprayed fibre reinforced concrete

Sprayed steel fibre reinforced concrete (SSFRC) is a material that tends to present anisotropy, due to the action of the spraying process inducing preferential fibre orientation. Despite numerous applications worldwide since the 1980s, no study has been found of the assessment of fibre distribution and its influence on the residual tensile strength of SSFRC. This work addresess this issue from a quantitative standpoint through an experimental programme with specimens extracted in various orientations within a SSFRC panel. The fibre content and 3D orientation were quantified using the inductive method and correlated with an indirect tensile behaviour for the same specimen with the Barcelona test. The results confirm the high level of anisotropy of SSFRC. The fibre orientation number parallel to the spraying direction is three times bigger than that found in the perpendicular direction. Similar differences were observed between the residual tensile response measured in those directions. Comparison of test results suggest that the preferential fibre orientation creates weaker planes that favours the increase of crack opening at lower load levels.

Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Using a Computer Program in Patients with Depression in Remission

The patient with depressive disorder presents a cognitive impairment which does not disappear despite the fact that the depression is considered to be in remission. This study aims to assess the impact of training in the improvement of cognitive functions of patients with remitted depression (RD). Captain’s Log Computerized Cognitive-Training Program (CLCT) was used as a cognitive trainer in a group of patients with RD and with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) as treatment; another group with RD was treated uniquely with SSRI. The treatment intervention’s impact was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), and the Integrated Program of Neuropsychological Examination-Revised Barcelona Test. CLCT was used in college students with RD, twice a week, for six months. Patients from both groups decreased depressive and anxious symptoms, however, patients who received CLCT substantially increased their intellectual performance; changes in the psychometric analysis of the Barcelona Test were consistent with the ones presented in WAIS-III. CLCT application is associated with an improvement of cognitive functions in patients with RD.

Stimulation of Cognitive Functions in University Students with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Using Captain’s Log Computerized Cognitive Training Program

The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has significant implications for quality of life of a person. This study proposes the use of a cognitive stimulation program (Captain´s Log Cognitive Training) to improve the cognitive deficits produced by this disorder. Ten university students with OCD were randomly selected; 4 of them (control group) received psychiatric and pharmacological treatment, and six students (experimental group) received training using a computer program that stimulated the cognitive deficits besides the psychiatric and pharmacological treatment. A pre and posttest neuropsychologic evaluations were applied using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) and an abbreviated version of the Barcelona Test. Training was carried out twice a week until each subject covered 30 sessions. Significant differences were found (p<0.05) in functions associated with Planning skills, anticipation and organization, verbal fluency, visuoconstructive praxis, working memory and processing speed. Cognitive training helped to improve the intellectual performance of the students who participated in the treatment, reflected in higher flexibility to solve practical problems.