Abstract
Objective
Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile-based game, has been widely reported to be closely associated with better cognitive function. However, its effects on the cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia have not yet been studied.
Method
In a pilot study, 49 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to the intervention group (Mahjong combined with standard treatment) and the control group (standard treatment). The intervention group engaged in cognitive training through Mahjong for 2 hours per day, 4 days per week for 12 weeks. Primary cognitive outcomes were assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), while secondary outcomes were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Self-report Quality of Life Measure for People with Schizophrenia (SQLS). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), the 4th week (T1), the 8th week (T2), and the 12th week (T3).
Results
There is a significant group-by-time interaction effect in RTI and time effect in PAL. The intervention group showed significant improvements in reaction time and movement time of response to a visual target, visual memory and new learning at T3 compared to baseline. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in SQLS over time.
Conclusion
While this pilot study suggests that prolonged Mahjong intervention may benefit certain cognitive functions and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger, more diverse samples and longer follow-up periods is necessary to confirm and extend these findings.
Trial registration:
The trial is registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn/ under registration number ChiCTR2400083439 (date of registration: 2024-01-25).