Nursing: Research and Reviews (Jul 2019)

Effects of a speed of processing training intervention on self-reported health outcomes in breast cancer survivors

  • Vo JB,
  • Fazeli PL,
  • Benz R,
  • Bail JR,
  • Triebel K,
  • Vance DE,
  • Meneses K

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 9
pp. 13 – 19

Abstract

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Jacqueline B Vo,1 Pariya L Fazeli2,3, Rachel Benz,4 Jennifer R Bail,5 Kristen Triebel,6 David E Vance3,4, Karen Meneses†,4,71Office of Research and Scholarship, School of Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA; 2School of Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA; 3Center for Translational Research on Aging and Mobility, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA; 4Office of Research and Scholarship, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; 5Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; 6Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; 7Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birminghan, AL, USA†Dr Karen Meneses passed away in August 2018Purpose: Cognitive deficits are a concern for breast cancer survivors, as these effects are prevalent and impact daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a speed of processing (SOP) training intervention on secondary, self-reported health outcomes in this population.Methods: Sixty middle-aged and older adult women breast cancer survivors completed baseline assessments and were randomized to either a no-contact control group or an SOP training group, who completed 10 hrs of computerized SOP training online at home. Both conditions completed self-report surveys of sleep, QoL, cognitive difficulties, and depressive symptoms at six weeks and six months post study entry.Results: There were no significant effects of the SOP training on self-reported health outcomes.Conclusion: Future studies examining the effect of cognitive training on self-reported health outcomes are warranted that include individuals with baseline impairment in such indices in order to better determine efficacy, and longer follow-up time points may aid in examining the protective effects of this intervention in those without baseline impairment.Keywords: cancer survivorship, cognitive dysfunction, late effects, quality of life

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