Executive Function (Cognition)
Conditions
Keywords
executive function, children, computerized cognitive training, working memory, cognitive function
Brief summary
This study aims to address these gaps by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of CogniFit training in children. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CogniFit training on executive functions among primary school students in Hong Kong. Specific objectives include: 1. To assess the effectiveness of CogniFit training on improving executive functions, such as working memory, attention, and inhibitory control in children compared to a waitlist control group. 2. To assess the effectiveness of CogniFit training on improving executive functions, such as working memory, attention, and inhibitory control in children compared to an active control group that will receive Cogmed training. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) the CogniFit training group; 2) the Cogmed Group, and 3) the wailist controlled group. Participants in the two computerized cognitive training groups (CogniFit/Cogmed Group) will receive training in the first phase of intervention, while the waitlist control group will CogniFit trainings in the second phase of intervention. Participants who receive the computerized cognitive training will complete 24 sessions of training, 15-20 minutes each, conducted three times per week spanning 8 weeks. These programs comprise a range of game-like exercises targeting various cognitive skills, including working memory, attention, and inhibitory control, with automatic level advancement after each exercise. To investigate the intervention effectiveness, children will be asked to complete a set of cognitive tests covering inhibitory control, attention, and working memory prior to the intervention (i.e., Time 1), immediately after the 8-week training (i.e., Time 2), and 2 months after the training (i.e., Time 3, a 2-month follow up). The assessment will take around 1 hour and it will be conducted at participants' schools. Also, parents will be asked to complete a questionnaire assessing children's behaviours at home and schools at 3 time points.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCogniFit Computerized Cognitive Training
In the CogniFit Computerized Cognitive Training, children will complete a range of tasks covering a range of game-like exercises targeting various cognitive skills, including working memory, attention, and inhibitory control, with automatic level advancement after each exercise.
BEHAVIORALCogmed Computerized Cognitive Training
In the Cogmed Computerized Cognitive Training, children will complete a range of tasks covering a range of game-like exercises targeting various cognitive skills, including working memory and attentional control, with automatic level advancement after each exercise.
Sponsors
The University of Hong Kong
Edge Development Centre
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 6- 12 * Studying in Grade 1 to 6 in mainstream primary schools in Hong Kong
Exclusion criteria
* Inability to answer the first five questions in Raven's Progressive Matrices * Hearing, visual, or physical impairments that might hinder participation in the training and assessment activities * Current participation in a computerized cognitive treatment
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Functiong - Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT 3) | Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention) | A standardized computerized test on sustained attention and inhibitory control |
| Executive Function - Number subtest of Children's Memory Scale (CMS) | Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention) | A verbal working memory test using digit span, with a higher score indicating a higher level of verbal working memory. The total score of this test ranges from 0 to 30. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural ratings on children's executive functions | Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention) | Parents' report of Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) measuring a range of executive functions, including behavioural, emotional and cognitive regulation |
Countries
Hong Kong
Outcome results
None listed