Task-oriented cognitive rehabilitation may help improve self-awareness in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a study conducted by Kessler Foundation researchers. During the study, researchers reportedly evaluated 18 MS patients and 16 healthy controls for two types of self-awareness that included metacognitive knowledge of disabilities (or intellectual awareness) and online awareness (emergent or anticipatory awareness).
A Kessler Foundation news release notes that researchers also investigated the links between self-awareness, functional performance, and quality of life (QoL). The assessment involved the Functional Behavior Profile, questionnaires administered before and after functional tasks, (which included purchasing cookies and airline tickets on the Internet) and the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis measure.
Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director of Neuropyschology & Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, notes in the release that the study’s “Results showed that compared with controls, people with MS assessed their actual performance more realistically following completion of a task. This suggests that individuals may be able to improve their self-awareness through more experience with tasks.”
Chiaravalloti adds that research leads to improved understanding of the types of self-awareness, functional outcomes, and QoL will help bolster the development of effective assessments and rehabilitation interventions.
Source: Kessler Foundation
