Effects of Mobile Application-Based Cognitive Training Along With Aerobic Training

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stroke as a clinical syndrome marked by the rapid onset of symptoms indicating a focal or global disturbance in brain function. These symptoms last for more than 24 hours or result in death, with no identifiable cause other than a vascular origin. Data on stroke incidence and prevalence in Pakistan are limited, though numerous case series in the literature highlight notable variations in stroke epidemiology, risk factors, and subtypes within the population. The effects of stroke are vast, encompassing physical disability and mortality as well as profound psychological, social, and economic impacts.

Cognitive ability refers to thinking, making sound decisions, and interacting effectively with one's surroundings. When cognitive ability is impaired, it can affect concentration, memory, and learning. Intelligence, which reflects judgment, understanding, and reasoning skills, is often used to measure cognitive abilities in adapting to the environment. post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) refers to cognitive difficulties that arise within 3 to 6 months after a stroke. These impairments may be linked directly to the stroke site, such as aphasia or memory issues, or result from damage to areas like the hippocampus, thalamus, and certain cortical regions. PSCI often overlaps with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), displaying challenges in visuospatial, attentional, and executive functions. Although some researchers distinguish between early and delayed PSCI based on the timing of cognitive changes, there is no consistent definition, which has complicated PSCI research.

Mobile brain-training games like Lumosity and Peak aim to enhance cognitive skills, such as working memory and attention, through engaging, gamified tasks. These games use challenges and rewards to boost motivation and support learning. A user of the Lumosity app reported improvements in speed, attention, and memory after consistent use since 2011, with others who have experienced brain injuries such as coma, surgery, or concussion also noting positive effects. Brain-training apps like Lumosity and Peak promote cognitive enhancement through gamified tasks aimed at skills such as memory and attention. These claims have contributed to substantial market growth, with the brain-training app industry projected to exceed USD 44.43 billion by 2030.

Aerobic physical exercise (PE) is potentially significant in alleviating cognitive impairment after a stroke. Several neural mechanisms have been associated with the benefits of aerobic exercise on cognitive recovery. Additionally, aerobic exercise supports angiogenesis, reduces secondary injury, and minimizes neuronal damage, all of which contribute to improved cognitive outcomes following a stroke. Aerobic exercise sessions lasting more than 20 minutes are recommended, depending on the frequency and intensity of the exercise. It is also advisable to include warm-up and cool-down periods of 3 to 5 minutes.

This study evaluates the combined impact of the Lumosity brain-training app and aerobic exercise on cognitive function and quality of life (QoL) in older stroke survivors. Traditional methods typically independently implement cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic training, with limited evidence supporting their combined application. This research aims to demonstrate whether combining these methods yields superior cognitive and functional recovery outcomes. Given the limited research on the use of commercial brain training games specifically for stroke survivors, this study seeks to fill a gap in the literature. Previous research has primarily focused on healthy populations, leaving a need for more targeted investigations in stroke rehabilitation. By assessing Lumosity's impact on cognitive recovery, this study will provide valuable insights into the potential of brain training apps for post-stroke rehabilitation. Furthermore, aerobic exercise has demonstrated significant potential in supporting cognitive recovery after stroke, promoting neural plasticity, enhancing neurogenesis, and improving blood flow to affected brain regions. These mechanisms contribute to better cognitive and functional outcomes. This study will explore the combined benefits of cognitive training and aerobic exercise, investigating whether this integrated approach can offer a more effective, accessible, and low-cost strategy for delaying cognitive decline, improving QoL, and supporting long-term recovery in stroke survivors. If successful, this combined approach could pave the way for scalable, novel interventions that empower stroke survivors in their cognitive rehabilitation and overall recovery process.