Phonological Loop Functioning In Neuromuscular Disorders

Purpose: The phonological loop is a key component of working memory, and subvocal rehearsal plays a critical role in its functioning. Individuals with neuromuscular disorders may experience cognitive effects due to motor system impairment, yet little is known about their phonological loop performance. This study aims to investigate the subvocal rehearsal rate as a measure of phonological loop functioning in patients with neuromuscular disorders using a novel, non-motor task. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neuromuscular Disorders Clinic of Ankara City’s Hospital and included patients with neuromuscular disorders and age- and gender-matched healthy control participants. Thirty-eight patients with neuromuscular disorders and 38 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects completed a non-motor subvocal rehearsal task. Mean response times were compared between groups. Statistical analysis used: An independent t-test was used to compare response times. Effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d. Results: Patients with neuromuscular disorders demonstrated significantly slower response times than healthy controls on all items (p < .05), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.22), indicating impaired subvocal rehearsal performance. Conclusion: Subvocal rehearsal rate is significantly reduced in patients with neuromuscular disorders, suggesting disruption in the phonological loop system of working memory independent of motor impairment.