Brief, computerized inhibitory control training to leverage adolescent neural plasticity: A pilot effectiveness trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Adolescence is characterized by significant neural plasticity, with ongoing development in brain networks crucial for cognitive functions.
• Inhibitory control (IC), vital for managing risk-taking behaviors, develops throughout adolescence, but its malleability during this period remains unclear.
• Understanding IC development is critical for public health interventions targeting adolescent risk behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a school-based inhibitory control (IC) training program on adolescent neurocognitive performance and neural function.
• To assess the transferability of IC training effects to untrained tasks and real-world risk behaviors.
• To explore potential moderating effects of early adversity on training outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 19 adolescents aged 15-17 from a low-income school district.
• Comparison between a school-based IC training paradigm and an active control group.
• Assessment of IC performance, neural function (fMRI), transfer effects, and early adversity exposure.

Main Results:

• The IC training intervention altered brain function associated with attention during IC preparation and execution.
• No significant improvements in IC performance were observed in the training group compared to the control group.
• Limited evidence of training transfer to a non-trained IC task or real-world risk behaviors was found.

Conclusions:

• School-based IC training shows potential to modulate adolescent brain activity related to attention.
• Current training paradigms may not be sufficient to enhance IC performance or reduce risk behaviors in this population.
• Further research is needed to optimize training strategies and understand transfer effects in adolescent translational neuroscience.