Feasibility and efficacy of a computer-based intervention aimed at preventing reading decoding deficits among
Shawna L Palmer1, Laurie Leigh, Susan C Ellison
1Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Mail Stop 740, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. shawna.palmer@stjude.org.
Objective:
To investigate the feasibility of a computer-based reading intervention completed by patients diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Methods:
Patients were randomized to the intervention (n = 43) or standard of care group (n = 38). The intervention consisted of 30 sessions using Fast ForWord® exercises in a game-like format. Change in reading decoding scores over time since diagnosis was examined. Gender, race, parent education, parent marital status, and age at diagnosis were examined as covariates.
Results:
17 patients (39.5%) were able to complete the target goal of 30 intervention sessions. Females had significantly greater training time than males (p = .022). Age at diagnosis was associated with average training time/session for females (r = .485, p = .041). No significant differences were found in reading scores between the randomized groups.
Conclusions:
The study was well accepted by families and adherence by patients undergoing radiation therapy for medulloblastoma was moderate. Suggestions for improved methodology are discussed.
