The computer-program ExeSystem in rehabilitation of neurological adult 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. It is mainly due to the large capacity of the 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. The article presents the first Polish computer program ExeSystem containing tasks to be used in the rehabilitation of patients with executive dysfunctions. The training 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 behavior. 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 using the program and patients undergoing therapy.