The ExeSystem Computer Program in the Rehabilitation of Adult Neurological Patients with Executive Dysfunctions

Abstract

A special challenge in the neuropsychological rehabilitation of adult patients with acquired brain injury is therapy in disorders of the executive (or supervisory) system. This is mainly due to the broad meaning of this term, including functions from the highest, prefrontal level of hierarchical cerebral regulation, and the lack of professionally-prepared therapeutic programs for this diverse group of patients. In the article, the authors present ExeSystem - the first Polish computer program containing tasks to be used in the rehabilitation of patients with executive dysfunctions. These tasks are primarily functional, involving the executive aspects of attention, working memory, the ability to plan complex actions, learning to remember effectively and the social aspects of behaviour. Apart from therapeutic applications, the program may facilitate scientific research on the effectiveness of neuropsychological rehabilitation and the development of its standards. The authors also present preliminary data on the usefulness of the ExeSystem in rehabilitation based on the opinions of neuropsychologists implementing the program and patients undergoing therapy.

Keywords

• executive dysfunctions
• neuropsychological rehabilitation
• computer-assisted therapy