The effectiveness of computerized cognitive training on the attention and working memory of children with frontal...

Children with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) are at elevated risk for deficits in working memory (WM) and attention that contribute to academic and psychosocial difficulties. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) programs such as Cogmed show promise in pediatric populations, but their effects in FLE remain largely unexplored. This single-case experimental study evaluated the impact of CCT on WM and attention in three children (ages 9-11) with FLE. A non-concurrent multiple-baseline design across participants was used, with staggered intervention onset to control for practice and maturational effects. Each participant completed 15 Cogmed RM (RoboMemo) working memory training sessions over 5-9 weeks, lasting 30-45 minutes. Cognitive outcome measures included the Digit Span subtest (Forward and Backward) of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), the Continuous Performance Computer Test, and the Selective and Divided Attention Computer Test. Assessments occurred at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and at two- and six-month follow-ups. Results showed reliable improvements in WM, selective attention, and divided attention that were maintained at follow-up, whereas sustained attention showed modest change. Findings provide preliminary evidence that CCT is a feasible intervention for addressing cognitive vulnerabilities in children with FLE and improving WM and attentional control.