Training Cognitive Control Processes in Older Adults

Pilot Study Using a Video Game to Train Cognitive Control Processes in Healthy Older Adults

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT00586638

Enrollment

Registered

2008-01-04

Start date

2007-12-31

Completion date

2010-02-28

Last updated

2015-08-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Neurobehavioral Manifestations, Neurologic Manifestations

Keywords

cognition, cognition disorders, executive function, cognitive control, attentional control, biomedical enhancement, cognitive enhancement, computerized, computer-based, video game

Brief summary

Control processes are classes of brain activity that initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Detailed description

The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three experimental groups: 1) Video game play with training strategy; 2) Video game play without training strategy (Active Control); 3) Minimal contact (Passive Control). Subjects in Groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand video game, Space Fortress, for 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Subjects in Group 3 will receive all assessments but will not play the computer game.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALVideo game based training

36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Masking

SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

60 Years to 75 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Age 60-75 * Willingness to adhere to training protocol * Adequate English proficiency

Exclusion criteria

* Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance * Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance * Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation. * Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Cognitive-experimental tasks	Week 1, 6, 12, 24
Neuropsychological testing	Week 1, 12, 24

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026