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Assessment of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis using smartphone-based training games: a feasibility study
Silvan Pless1,2, Tim Woelfle1,3, Yvonne Naegelin1,3
1Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
Journal of Neurology
|March 23, 2023
Summary
Cognitive games in the dreaMS app show moderate-strong correlations with standard tests for people with MS (pwMS). These enjoyable and meaningful games may help monitor cognitive changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Digital Health
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cognitive impairment affects up to 70% of people with MS (pwMS), significantly impacting quality of life and work capacity.
- The dreaMS smartphone app is being developed to monitor MS disease activity and progression.
- Assessing the feasibility and acceptance of cognitive games as tools for evaluating cognitive domains is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of using cognitive games within the dreaMS app for assessing cognitive domains in people with MS.
- To determine the correlation between cognitive game performance and established neuropsychological tests.
- To assess user perception of the cognitive games' enjoyment and meaningfulness.
Main Methods:
- Ten cognitive games were integrated into the dreaMS app.
- Participants played games twice weekly for five weeks, alongside standard neuropsychological tests.
- User acceptance was measured using a Likert-scale questionnaire, and game performance was correlated with reference tests (Spearman's rho).
Main Results:
- Moderate-to-strong correlations (|rs|=0.34–0.77) were found between most game performances and reference tests.
- Cognitive performance improved in both people with MS and healthy controls over the five-week period.
- Games received high average ratings for overall impression (4.6) and meaningfulness (4.7), indicating good acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive cognitive games demonstrate potential as valid measures for assessing cognitive domains in people with MS.
- Observed practice effects suggest that game-derived measures can track cognitive changes over time.
- The high acceptance and perceived meaningfulness of the games support their potential for long-term adherence in monitoring cognitive health.
