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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Do children with cerebral palsy benefit from computerized working memory training? Study protocol for a randomized
Gro C C Løhaugen1, Harald Beneventi, Guro L Andersen
1Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Sykehusveien 1, 4809 Arendal, Norway. gro.c.lohaugen@ntnu.no.
Insights
This study investigates if computer-based cognitive training can improve working memory in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Results will inform potential cost-effective interventions for cognitive deficits in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood motor disability, often co-occurring with cognitive and behavioral issues.
- Children with CP face elevated risks for attention deficit disorders and working memory deficits.
- Limited evidence exists for interventions targeting cognitive, learning, and behavioral improvements in CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based cognitive training program for enhancing working memory in children with CP.
- To provide comprehensive data on cognitive, neuropsychological, and daily functioning in children with CP.
- To establish a potential efficient and cost-effective intervention for working memory deficits in this population.
Main Methods:
- Investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a stepped-wedge design.
- Inclusion of 115 schoolchildren with CP (aged 7-15) capable of following instructions and using a computer mouse.
- Exclusion of participants with photosensitive epilepsy, GMFCS level V, or severe sensory impairments.
- Randomization to either cognitive working memory training or treatment-as-usual.
- Computer-based training program: 25 daily sessions over 5-6 weeks at home.
- Neuropsychological assessments pre-intervention, post-intervention (4-6 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- This section is not available in the provided abstract.
Conclusions:
- The study will provide novel information on cognitive and functional outcomes in children with CP.
- This research is the first to assess a specific intervention to improve working memory in children with CP.
- Successful outcomes could establish computer-based working memory training as a viable intervention for CP.
Background:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood (2 to 3 per 1000 live births), and is frequently accompanied by cognitive impairments and behavioural problems. Children with CP are at increased risk of attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)) including working memory deficits. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate if cognitive training may improve working memory in children with CP.
Methods/Designs:
The study is an investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a stepped-wedge design that will include 115 schoolchildren with CP. Eligible for participation are children with CP, aged 7 to 15 years, who are able to follow instructions and handle a computer mouse. Exclusion criteria are the presence of photosensitive epilepsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (most severe CP) (Phys Ther 80: 974-985, 2000) and severe visual or hearing impairments. Following assessment of eligibility and baseline cognitive assessment the participants will be randomized to either cognitive working memory training or treatment-as-usual ('control group'). The intervention is a computer-based working memory training program consisting of 25 daily sessions to be performed over a 5 to 6-week period at home. A neuropsychological assessment will be performed before and 4 to 6 weeks after completed training. When the latter assessment has been completed in the intervention group, the 'control group' will start on the same training program. Both groups will meet for a final neuropsychological assessment six months after completed training by an examiner unaware of group adherence.
Discussion:
There is limited evidence for the effect of most interventions in children with CP, and evidence is completely lacking for interventions aiming to improve deficits in cognition, learning and behaviour. The proposed multicenter study, will bring forth comprehensive information about cognitive, neuropsychological, and daily-life functioning in children with CP aged between 7 and 15 years. In addition, the study will be the first to evaluate the effects of an intervention method to improve working memory in children with CP. If successful, computer-based working memory training may represent an efficient and cost-effective intervention for this group of children.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02119364.
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