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Effects of the abacus-based mental calculation training application "SoroTouch" on cognitive functions: A randomized
Tetsuya Takaoka1, Keiji Hashimoto1, Sayaka Aoki2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Plos One
|March 12, 2024
Summary
A home-based cognitive training app, SoroTouch, showed potential in improving working memory and attention for middle-aged and older adults. While overall scores didn't change, specific tasks indicated significant cognitive benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a concern for middle-aged and older adults.
- Digital cognitive training offers a potential solution for maintaining cognitive function.
- Abacus-based mental calculation training is explored for its cognitive benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based computerized cognitive training program, SoroTouch, on cognitive functions in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
- To assess the impact of SoroTouch on specific cognitive domains including working memory, attention, and planning.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 healthy adults (aged 42-79).
- Participants were assigned to either the SoroTouch intervention group or a control group.
- Cognitive functions were assessed monthly using the CogEvo test battery and pre/post-intervention using CogEvo and MoCA-J.
Main Results:
- The SoroTouch group did not show significant improvements in overall CogEvo or MoCA-J scores.
- Significant group differences were observed in the 'Follow the order' task at 2 months and 'Route 99' task at 6 months.
- These specific task improvements suggest benefits in working memory, attention, and planning.
Conclusions:
- Home-based computerized cognitive training with SoroTouch shows promise for enhancing specific cognitive functions in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
- The findings suggest that targeted cognitive training can positively impact working memory, attention, and planning, even without overall score improvements.
