Cognitive Change, Learning Disabilities, Learning Disorders
Conditions
Keywords
cognitive training, physical exercise, brain dynamics, cognitive abilities, physiological markers
Brief summary
This study aims to test the efficacy of the MovinCog Intervention to enhance cognitive abilities in children 7-15 yrs. The intervention consists of two parts: a physical exercise regimen, based on high-intensity training, and a cognitive training component. The design will contrast the intervention with an active control group, matched for expectancy effects.
Detailed description
Specifically, the investigators will compare both components together (exercise and cognitive training) against either one of the components (exercise alone, or cognitive training alone) and against an active control group. The study will include measures of scholastic aptitude, as well as of working memory and cognitive control (primary outcome measures), two cognitive abilities that are critical to daily life activities, and that respond well to training. In addition, the investigators will measure physiological responses to training, to monitor changes associated with exercise (secondary outcome measures). Finally, the investigators will relate training-specific improvements with transfer gains, to better model the interaction between training and transfer. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics associated with the intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALExercise
Exercise
BEHAVIORALCognitive
Cognitive
BEHAVIORALActive control
Active control, including a blend of computer games, board games, quizzes, trivia
Sponsors
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
7 Years to 15 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 7-15
Exclusion criteria
* Age outside inclusion criteria * History of seizures, brain trauma
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline working memory capacity at 10 weeks | Baseline and 10-week posttest | Constructs measured by multiple tasks (bds, corsi, n-back) |
| Change from baseline cognitive control at 10 weeks | Baseline and 10-week posttest | Constructs measured by multiple tasks (flanker, go/no-go, stroop) |
| Change from baseline scholastic aptitude at 10 weeks | Baseline and 10-week posttest | Constructs measured by multiple national (New Zealand), standardized tests |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline resting heart rate at 10 weeks | Baseline and 10-week posttest | Measured by monitor |
| BDNF polymorphism measured by genetic saliva kit | Baseline | Effect of BDNF polymorphism on primary outcomes |
Countries
New Zealand
Outcome results
None listed