Rhythm training improves word-reading in children with dyslexia.

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Cognitive Training
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Specific learning disorder with reading deficit (SLD-reading), or dyslexia, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Delayed access to specialized reading intervention is a significant challenge for affected children.
• Existing interventions often require intensive training with specialists, limiting accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mila-Learn, a novel video game intervention for children with SLD-reading.
• To assess Mila-Learn's impact on phonological skills, reading accuracy, reading speed, and self-esteem.
• To compare Mila-Learn's effectiveness against a placebo intervention in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A randomized placebo-controlled trial (NCT05154721) involving 151 children aged 7-11 with SLD-reading.
• Participants were assigned to either the Mila-Learn video game or a matched placebo game for 8 weeks.
• Primary outcome was nonword decoding; secondary outcomes included phonological skills, word-reading accuracy/speed, and self-esteem.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found in nonword decoding between Mila-Learn and placebo groups.
• Per-protocol analysis revealed Mila-Learn significantly improved 2-minute word-reading accuracy (p<0.05) and speed (p<0.05).
• Mila-Learn demonstrated a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse events, primarily in the placebo group.

Conclusions:

• Mila-Learn is a safe medical device for children with SLD-reading.
• The intervention shows potential benefits in enhancing word-reading accuracy and speed.
• Mila-Learn offers an accessible and user-friendly option for supporting reading development in children with dyslexia.