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Tong K, Fu X, Hoo NP, Kean Mun L, Vassiliu C, Langley C, Sahakian BJ, Leong V. The development of cognitive flexibility and its implications for mental health disorders. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1-7. [PMID: 39247963 PMCID: PMC11496217 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Tong
- Cambridge-NTU Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xinchen Fu
- Cambridge-NTU Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Natalie P. Hoo
- Cambridge-NTU Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lee Kean Mun
- Cambridge-NTU Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Early Mental Potential and Wellbeing Research (EMPOWER) Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Victoria Leong
- Cambridge-NTU Centre for Lifelong Learning and Individualised Cognition (CLIC), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Early Mental Potential and Wellbeing Research (EMPOWER) Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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2
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Kirk H, Spencer-Smith M, Jobson L, Nicolaou E, Cornish K, Melzak E, Hrysanidis C, Moriarty C, Davey B, Whyman T, Bird L, Bellgrove MA. A digital intervention to support childhood cognition after the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14065. [PMID: 38890384 PMCID: PMC11189556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Difficulties in executive functioning (EF) can result in impulsivity, forgetfulness, and inattention. Children living in remote/regional communities are particularly at risk of impairment in these cognitive skills due to reduced educational engagement and poorer access to interventions. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies are needed to mitigate long-term negative impacts on EF. Here we propose a pilot trial investigating the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based EF intervention for primary school students (6-8 years) living in regional, developmentally vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Students were randomised to a digital intervention or teaching as usual, for 7 weeks. Children completed measures of EF and parents/educators completed ratings of everyday EF and social/emotional wellbeing at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Change in EFs (primary outcome), everyday EF, and social/emotional wellbeing (secondary outcomes) from pre- to post-intervention and pre-intervention to 3-month follow-up were examined. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was assessed through educator feedback and intervention adherence.Protocol Registration: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 20 April 2023. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WT3S2 . The approved Stage 1 protocol is available here: https://osf.io/kzfwn .
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kirk
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Megan Spencer-Smith
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura Jobson
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Nicolaou
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim Cornish
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ebony Melzak
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caitlin Hrysanidis
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cassie Moriarty
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Belinda Davey
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Theoni Whyman
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Laura Bird
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Bellgrove
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Bertoni S, Andreola C, Mascheretti S, Franceschini S, Ruffino M, Trezzi V, Molteni M, Sali ME, Salandi A, Gaggi O, Palazzi C, Gori S, Facoetti A. Action video games normalise the phonemic awareness in pre-readers at risk for developmental dyslexia. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:25. [PMID: 38514689 PMCID: PMC10957868 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Action video-games (AVGs) could improve reading efficiency, enhancing not only visual attention but also phonological processing. Here we tested the AVG effects upon three consolidated language-based predictors of reading development in a sample of 79 pre-readers at-risk and 41 non-at-risk for developmental dyslexia. At-risk children were impaired in either phonemic awareness (i.e., phoneme discrimination task), phonological working memory (i.e., pseudoword repetition task) or rapid automatized naming (i.e., RAN of colours task). At-risk children were assigned to different groups by using an unequal allocation randomization: (1) AVG (n = 43), (2) Serious Non-Action Video Game (n = 11), (3) treatment-as-usual (i.e., speech therapy, n = 11), and (4) waiting list (n = 14). Pre- and post-training comparisons show that only phonemic awareness has a significantly higher improvement in the AVG group compared to the waiting list, the non-AVG, and the treatment-as-usual groups, as well as the combined active groups (n = 22). This cross-modal plastic change: (i) leads to a recovery in phonemic awareness when compared to the not-at-risk pre-readers; (ii) is present in more than 80% of AVG at-risk pre-readers, and; (iii) is maintained at a 6-months follow-up. The present findings indicate that this specific multisensory attentional training positively affects how phonemic awareness develops in pre-readers at risk for developmental dyslexia, paving the way for innovative prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bertoni
- Università di Bergamo, Department of Human and Social Sciences, Bergamo, Italy.
- Università di Padova, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, Padova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Andreola
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychologie de Développement et de l'Éducation de l'Enfant (LaPsyDÉ), UMR CNRS 8240, Paris, France
| | - Sara Mascheretti
- Università di Pavia, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Pavia, Italy
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Child Psychopathology Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Milena Ruffino
- ASST Valle Olona, Neuropsychiatric Unit, Saronno, Varese, Italy
| | - Vittoria Trezzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Child Psychopathology Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Child Psychopathology Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | - Maria Enrica Sali
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Child Psychopathology Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | - Antonio Salandi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Child Psychopathology Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | | | | | - Simone Gori
- Università di Bergamo, Department of Human and Social Sciences, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Andrea Facoetti
- Università di Padova, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, Padova, Italy.
- Sigmund Freud University, Milano, Italy.
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Zheng Q, Shum KKM. Brief Report: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Digital Working Memory Intervention for Preschoolers Displaying ADHD Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-023-06213-1. [PMID: 38197998 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of a self-paced digital working memory (WM) intervention on preschoolers with ADHD symptoms and explore the relation between WM and time perception (TP) through a randomized controlled trial. METHOD Fifty preschoolers between four-to-six years of age (M = 4.93 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: a WM training group (WM; n = 14), a social-emotional (SE) training active control group (n = 15), and a waitlist control group (n = 21). Both the WM and SE groups received fifteen 10-min self-paced digital training sessions over five consecutive weeks. RESULTS The digital WM training was effective in improving children's digit span performance compared to the waitlist control group only. Within-group comparisons across two time points indicated a near-significant improvement in numeration and trends of reduced ADHD symptoms and improved TP tasks in the WM group at the post-test, but between-group differences were not observed. CONCLUSION The study showed limited effects of the WM training on preschoolers displaying ADHD symptoms. However, the results implied an association between working memory and time perception that awaits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Que Zheng
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Social Work, The Guangdong University of Technology, Guangdong, China
| | - Kathy Kar-Man Shum
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Vita-Barrull N, Estrada-Plana V, March-Llanes J, Guzmán N, Fernández-Muñoz C, Ayesa R, Moya-Higueras J. Board game-based intervention to improve executive functions and academic skills in rural schools: A randomized controlled trial. Trends Neurosci Educ 2023; 33:100216. [PMID: 38049295 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2023.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This research intends to increase the knowledge about the use of board games in the classroom to train executive functions and academic skills. 99 children from rural schools were assessed in executive functions and academic skills. METHODS Through a randomized controlled trial, they were assigned to a playing group (n = 51) and an active control group (regular classes without games, n = 48). Play program consisted of 12 sessions for 6 weeks with eight commercial board games. RESULTS In flexibility, the playing group was significantly faster after the program (p= = .01, d = 0.76), but not the control group (p = .23; d = 0.35). Both groups improved in the academic tasks, but the significance in calculus was greater in the playing group (p = .00; d = 2.19) than in the control group (p = .01; d = 0.97). DISCUSION The use of board games during school hours could be as good or better methodology for cognitive training and learning academic skills than regular classes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rosa Ayesa
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Research Group on Mental Illnesses, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Jorge Moya-Higueras
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Wong EH, Rosales KP, Looney L. Improving Cognitive Abilities in School-Age Children via Computerized Cognitive Training: Examining the Effect of Extended Training Duration. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1618. [PMID: 38137066 PMCID: PMC10742001 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical neuropsychological capabilities such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed are foundational to many daily activities. For children, such skills are essential for school success. Thus, children who demonstrate weaknesses in these abilities may experience impaired academic performance; this is especially true for students identified with learning differences who often exhibit less developed cognitive abilities. The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy of a cognitive training program implemented during the school day to improve abilities predictive of academic achievement. Ninety-five children completed two training activities that were counterbalanced across participants. Analyses of baseline working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed performance relative to those following training showed a strong treatment effect. Moreover, there is notable evidence of greater intervention efficacy with extended engagement with the training program. Implications for neuropsychological research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin P. Rosales
- Department of Child Development, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA; (E.H.W.); (L.L.)
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Tang C, Huang T, Huang J, Xu N, Lyu H, Wang Y, Cao Y. Effortful and effortless training of executive functions improve brain multiple demand system activities differently: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243409. [PMID: 38033550 PMCID: PMC10682784 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Both effortful and effortless training have been shown to be effective in enhancing individuals' executive functions. Effortful training improves domain-specific EFs, while effortless training improves domain-general EFs. Furthermore, effortful training has significantly higher training effects on EFs than effortless training. The neural mechanism underlying these different effects remained unclear. The present study conducted meta-analysis on neuroimaging studies to explore the changes of brain activations induced by effortful and effortless training. The results showed that effortful training induced greater activation in superior frontal gyrus, while effortless training induced greater activation in middle frontal gyrus, precuneus and cuneus. The brain regions of MD system enhanced by effortful training were more associated with core cognitive functions underlying EFs, while those enhanced by effortless training were more correlated with language functions. In addition, the significant clusters induced by effortful training had more overlaps with the MD system than effortless training. These results provided us with possibility to discuss the different behavioral results brought by effortful and effortless training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Tang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Psychology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Development, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Huang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jipeng Huang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Lyu
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Psychology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Development, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yifei Cao
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Psychology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Development, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Zurich Center for Neuroscience, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Schmid AS, Ehrler M, Wehrle F, Tuura RO, Kretschmar O, Landolt M, Latal B. Multimodal personalised executive function intervention (E-Fit) for school-aged children with complex congenital heart disease: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073345. [PMID: 37945305 PMCID: PMC10649522 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for executive functions (EF) impairments. To date, interventions have limited effects on EF in children and adolescents with complex CHD. Therefore, we developed a new multimodal and personalised EF intervention (E-Fit). This study aims to test the feasibility of this intervention called 'E-Fit' for children with complex CHD and EF impairments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a single-centre, single-blinded, randomised controlled feasibility study exploring the E-Fit intervention. We aim to enrol 40 children with CHD aged 10-12 years who underwent infant cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and show clinically relevant EF impairments (T-score ≥60 on any Behaviour Rating Inventory for Executive Function questionnaire summary scale). The multimodal intervention was developed with focus groups and the Delphi method involving children and adolescents with CHD, their parents and teachers, and health professionals. The intervention is composed of three elements: computer-based EF training using CogniFit Inc 2022, performed three times a week at home; weekly EF remote strategy coaching and analogue games. The content of the computer and strategy training is personalised to the child's EF difficulties. The control group follows their daily routines as before and completes a diary about their everyday activities four times a week. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio. Feasibility is measured by the participants' and providers' ratings of the participants' adherence and exposure to the intervention, recruitment rates and the evaluation of the intended effects of the programme. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Local ethics committee approval was obtained for the study (BASEC-Nr: 2021-02413). Parents provide written informed consent. Key outputs from the trial will be disseminated through presentations at conferences, peer-reviewed publications and directly to participating families. Furthermore, these results will inform the decision whether to proceed to a randomised controlled trial to investigate effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05198583.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alenka Sarah Schmid
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Ehrler
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Wehrle
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth O'Gorman Tuura
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- MR Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kretschmar
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Landolt
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Cai D, Zhao J, Chen Z, Liu D. Executive Functions Training for 7- to 10-Year-Old Students With Mathematics Difficulty: Instant Effects and 6-Month Sustained Effects. JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES 2023; 56:392-409. [PMID: 35962536 DOI: 10.1177/00222194221117513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Executive function (EF) training has shown promise for remedying general EF deficiencies faced by students with mathematics difficulty (MD) and for improving their performance. However, latest research also suggests that the instant and sustained effects of EF training remain inconsistent. In this study, 32 Chinese students with MD, age 7 to 10 years, were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the training group (n = 16, 25 training sessions) and the control group (n = 16). Both groups took a pretest, a posttest, and a follow-up test (after 6 months) on EF, fluid intelligence, and mathematics skills. In the posttest, the training group's performance significantly improved in 2-back, number shifting, letter shifting, calculation fluency, and mathematics problem-solving tasks, but not in Stroop, Flanker, 1-back, numerical operations, and colored progressive matrices tasks. In the follow-up test after 6 months, the effects of training only on the 2-back and letter shifting tasks were sustained. The effect on the numerical operations task appeared; however, the effects on number shifting, calculation fluency, and mathematics problem-solving tasks disappeared. The results of this study show that EF training has instant effects of improving EF and mathematics skills of students with MD, and 6-month sustained effects on some of the improved skills. However, for fluid intelligence, the effects may be very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cai
- Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Di Liu
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Rezende G, Le Stanc L, Menu I, Cassotti M, Aïte A, Salvia E, Houdé O, Borst G, Cachia A. Differential effects of mindfulness meditation and cognitive training on cool and hot inhibitory control in children and adolescents. J Exp Child Psychol 2023; 235:105741. [PMID: 37441988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2023.105741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory control (IC) can occur either in a neutral context (cool) or in social contexts involving emotions (hot). Cool and hot IC have specific developmental trajectories; cool IC develops linearly from childhood to adulthood, whereas hot IC follows a quadratic trajectory. Some activities can improve the IC, such as cognitive training (CT) and mindfulness meditation (MM). The aim of our study was to compare the effects of 5 weeks of computerized MM versus CT on IC performance in 66 children (9-10 years old) and 63 adolescents (16-17 years old) by specifically analyzing cool and hot dimensions in the same participants and from a developmental perspective. We fit a linear mixed-effect model on the Stroop interference score with time (pretest vs. posttest) and type of conflict (cool vs. hot) as within-participant factors and intervention group (CT vs. MM) and age group (child vs. adolescent) as between-participant factors. The findings revealed that children but not adolescents benefitted from interventions. More specifically, CT improved cool IC but not hot IC, whereas MM practice improved hot IC but not cool IC. This study supports the benefits of MM at a young age. Theoretical issues linking MM programs to emotional competence grounded in hot IC skills are considered in academic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rezende
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lorna Le Stanc
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Iris Menu
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Cassotti
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ania Aïte
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Emilie Salvia
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Houdé
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Grégoire Borst
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Cachia
- Laboratoire de Psychologie du Développement et de l'Education, Université Paris Cité, UMR CNRS 8240, 75005 Paris, France; Imaging Biomarkers for Brain Development and Disorders, Université Paris Cité, UMR INSERM 1266, GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, 75005 Paris, France.
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11
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Garza MC, Olivan S, Monleón E, Cisneros AI, García-Barrios A, Ochoa I, Whyte J, Lamiquiz-Moneo I. Performance in Kahoot! activities as predictive of exam performance. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:413. [PMID: 37280600 PMCID: PMC10242591 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Game-based learning (GBL) is effective for increasing participation, creativity, and student motivation. However, the discriminative value of GBL for knowledge acquisition has not yet been proven. The aim of this study is to assess the value of Kahoot! as a discriminative tool for formative assessment in medical education in two different subjects. METHODS A prospective experimental study was conducted on a sample of 173 students enrolled in neuroanatomy (2021-2022). One hundred twenty-five students individually completed the Kahoot! prior to the final exam. In addition, students enrolled in human histology during two academic courses were included in the study. The control group course (2018-2019) received a traditional teaching methodology (N = 211), while Kahoot! was implemented during 2020-2021 (N = 200). All students completed similar final exams for neuroanatomy and human histology based on theory tests and image exams. RESULTS The correlation between the Kahoot score and the final grade was analyzed for all students enrolled in neuroanatomy who completed both exercises. The correlation between the Kahoot exercise and the theory test, image exam and final grade was significantly positive in all cases (r = 0.334 p < 0.001, r = 0.278 p = 0.002 and r = 0.355 p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, students who completed the Kahoot! exercise obtained significantly higher grades in all parts of the exam. Regarding human histology, the theory tests, image exams and final grades were significantly higher when using Kahoot! versus the "traditional" methodology (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates for the first time that Kahoot! can be used to improve and predict the final grade in medical education subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- MC Garza
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - S Olivan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine, CIBER- BBN, Planta, Spain
| | - E Monleón
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Cisneros
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Medical and Genetic Research Group (GIIS099) IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - A García-Barrios
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Medical and Genetic Research Group (GIIS099) IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - I Ochoa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Tissue Microenvironment (TME) Lab. Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine, CIBER- BBN, Planta, Spain
| | - J Whyte
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - I Lamiquiz-Moneo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, School Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Unidad de Lípidos, IIS Aragón, CIBERCV, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Avda. Isabel La Católica 1-3, Zaragoza, 50009 Spain
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12
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Everaert E, Vorstman JAS, Selten IS, Slieker MG, Wijnen F, Boerma TD, Houben ML. Executive functioning in preschoolers with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and the impact of congenital heart defects. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:15. [PMID: 37173621 PMCID: PMC10181926 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functioning (EF) is an umbrella term for various cognitive functions that play a role in monitoring and planning to effectuate goal-directed behavior. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), the most common microdeletion syndrome, is associated with a multitude of both somatic and cognitive symptoms, including EF impairments in school-age and adolescence. However, results vary across different EF domains and studies with preschool children are scarce. As EF is critically associated with later psychopathology and adaptive functioning, our first aim was to study EF in preschool children with 22q11DS. Our second aim was to explore the effect of a congenital heart defects (CHD) on EF abilities, as CHD are common in 22q11DS and have been implicated in EF impairment in individuals with CHD without a syndromic origin. METHODS All children with 22q11DS (n = 44) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 81) were 3.0 to 6.5 years old and participated in a larger prospective study. We administered tasks measuring visual selective attention, visual working memory, and a task gauging broad EF abilities. The presence of CHD was determined by a pediatric cardiologist based on medical records. RESULTS Analyses showed that children with 22q11DS were outperformed by TD peers on the selective attention task and the working memory task. As many children were unable to complete the broad EF task, we did not run statistical analyses, but provide a qualitative description of the results. There were no differences in EF abilities between children with 22q11DS with and without CHDs. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study measuring EF in a relatively large sample of young children with 22q11DS. Our results show that EF impairments are already present in early childhood in children with 22q11DS. In line with previous studies with older children with 22q11DS, CHDs do not appear to have an effect on EF performance. These findings might have important implications for early intervention and support the improvement of prognostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Everaert
- Institute for Language Sciences, Utrecht University, Trans 10, 3512 JK, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacob A S Vorstman
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Iris S Selten
- Institute for Language Sciences, Utrecht University, Trans 10, 3512 JK, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn G Slieker
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Wijnen
- Institute for Language Sciences, Utrecht University, Trans 10, 3512 JK, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessel D Boerma
- Institute for Language Sciences, Utrecht University, Trans 10, 3512 JK, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel L Houben
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Zuber S, Joly-Burra E, Mahy CEV, Loaiza V, Kliegel M. Are facet-specific task trainings efficient in improving children's executive functions and why (they might not be)? A multi-facet latent change score approach. J Exp Child Psychol 2023; 227:105602. [PMID: 36512920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2022.105602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It currently remains unclear how facet-specific trainings of three core modules of executive function (EF; updating, switching, and inhibition) directly compare regarding efficacy, whether improvements on trained tasks transfer to nontrained EF tasks, and which factors predict children's improvements. The current study systematically investigated three separate EF trainings in 6- to 11-year-old children (N = 229) using EF-specific trainings that were similar in structure, design, and intensity. Children participated in pre- and posttest assessments of the three EFs and were randomly allocated to one of three EF trainings or to an active or passive control group. Multivariate latent change score models revealed that only the updating group showed training-specific improvements in task performance that were larger compared with active controls as well as passive controls. In contrast, there were no training-specific benefits of training switching or inhibition. Latent changes in the three EF tasks were largely independent, and there was no evidence of transfer effects to nontrained EF tasks. Lower baseline performance and older age predicted larger changes in EF performance. These seemingly opposing effects support compensation accounts as well as developmental theories of EF, and they highlight the importance of simultaneously accounting for multiple predictors within one model. In line with recent theoretical proposals of EF development, we provide new systematic evidence that questions whether modular task trainings represent an efficient approach to improve performance in narrow or in broader indicators of EF. Thereby, this evidence ultimately highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments of EF and, subsequently, the development of new training approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Zuber
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia V8N 5M8, Canada; Swiss National Centre of Competences in Research LIVES-Overcoming vulnerability: Life course perspectives, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Emilie Joly-Burra
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competences in Research LIVES-Overcoming vulnerability: Life course perspectives, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caitlin E V Mahy
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Vanessa Loaiza
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Matthias Kliegel
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competences in Research LIVES-Overcoming vulnerability: Life course perspectives, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Vernucci S, Canet-Juric L, Richard's MM. Effects of working memory training on cognitive and academic abilities in typically developing school-age children. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:308-326. [PMID: 35107614 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Process-based working memory (WM) training in typically developing children usually leads to short- and long-term improvements on untrained WM tasks. However, results are mixed regarding far transfer to academic and cognitive abilities. Moreover, there is a lack of studies jointly evaluating the different types of transfer, using an adequate design and considering motivational factors. In addition, evidence is needed about how pre-training performance is related to individual differences in training-induced transfer. Therefore, this study aimed to implement and evaluate the efficacy of a computerized process-based WM training in typically developing school-age children. Near and far transfer effects were evaluated both immediately after training and after 6 months, as well as individual differences in training-induced transfer. The sample was composed of 89 typically developing children aged 9-10 years (M = 9.52, SD = 0.30), who were randomized to a WM training group or an active control group. They were evaluated at pre-training, post-training, and follow-up phases with measures of visuospatial and verbal WM, reading comprehension, math computation, and fluid intelligence. Results showed that the training group significantly improved performance in verbal WM and fluid intelligence compared to the active control group, immediately after training and after 6 months. Trained children with lower initial performance in verbal WM or fluid intelligence showed greater transfer gains. No group differences were found in motivational factors. Findings of this study suggest that process-based WM training may promote transfer to cognitive abilities and lead to compensation effects of individual differences in typically developing school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Vernucci
- Instituto de Psicología Básica, Aplicada y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Lorena Canet-Juric
- Instituto de Psicología Básica, Aplicada y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María M Richard's
- Instituto de Psicología Básica, Aplicada y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
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15
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Reina-Reina C, Conesa PJ, Duñabeitia JA. Impact of a cognitive stimulation program on the reading comprehension of children in primary education. Front Psychol 2023; 13:985790. [PMID: 36687904 PMCID: PMC9853897 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.985790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction At present, numerous studies can be found in which influences and relationships between the principal executive functions, reading comprehension, and academic performance associated with reading are reported. However, there is still a lack of convergence regarding the impact of computerized cognitive training on children's executive development and its transfer in academic reading performance and comprehension of written texts. Methods This study analyzes the effect of implementing a cognitive stimulation program on the performance of reading comprehension and academic performance in the subject of Spanish Language and Literature. To this end, a total sample of 196 children from 23 educational centers received the cognitive intervention for 8 weeks, with three weekly sessions of between 15 and 20 min each occurring on non-consecutive days. Pre-test and post-test measurements were collected and analyzed. Results The results demonstrate a significant increase in the reading comprehension scores. In addition, a significant impact of the training on the participants' academic performance in the subject Spanish Language and Literature was found. Discussion These results highlight the usefulness of computerized cognitive stimulation programs for reading comprehension enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Reina-Reina
- Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición (CINC), Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jon Andoni Duñabeitia
- Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición (CINC), Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain,Department of Language and Culture, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway,*Correspondence: Jon Andoni Duñabeitia, ✉
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16
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Abou Assi K. The Development of Attentional Inhibition Through Coding and Robotics: Associating Between Tinkering, Creating, and Problem Solving in a Group Setting. Int J Soc Robot 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12369-022-00916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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17
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Executive Functions and Rapid Automatized Naming: A New Tele-Rehabilitation Approach in Children with Language and Learning Disorders. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060822. [PMID: 35740759 PMCID: PMC9222183 DOI: 10.3390/children9060822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Executive function deficits are documented in many neurodevelopmental disorders and may contribute to clinical complexity or rehabilitation resilience. The present research was primarily aimed at presenting and evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program used during the pandemic period. MemoRAN (Anastasis), a computerised cognitive training to improve executive control during visual-verbal integration tasks was used in a sample of 42 children (5–11 years old) with specific learning or language disorders. The MemoRAN training was based on exercises of inhibition, cognitive flexibility and updating in working memory for three months, with a frequency of approximately three sessions per week. Afterwards, a comparison between a subgroup of children using Memo-RAN and an active control group, using a tele-rehabilitation program directed on reading was conducted. Effect size analysis in pre-post measurements suggests an average effect of MemoRAN in measurements that require control processes, such as accuracy in dictation, reading, inhibition and working memory testing. Comparison with the active control group and the clinical utility implications of these types of treatment will be discussed.
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18
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Ganesan K, Steinbeis N. Development and plasticity of executive functions: A value-based account. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 44:215-219. [PMID: 34717277 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Executive functions are core to multiple aspects of daily cognitive, social and affective functioning. An extensive body of work has charted developmental trajectories and neural substrates of executive functions through the lifespan. Robust associations between executive functions early in life, and later, wellbeing and success has led to considerable efforts to improve executive functions through bespoke interventions. Here, we discuss recent findings on the role of cost-benefit computations in how executive functions are deployed in development. We propose leveraging these insights to design more effective interventions for improving executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keertana Ganesan
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nikolaus Steinbeis
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Vladisauskas M, Belloli LML, Fernández Slezak D, Goldin AP. A Machine Learning Approach to Personalize Computerized Cognitive Training Interventions. Front Artif Intell 2022; 5:788605. [PMID: 35350407 PMCID: PMC8958026 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2022.788605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions are a class of cognitive processes critical for purposeful goal-directed behavior. Cognitive training is the adequate stimulation of executive functions and has been extensively studied and applied for more than 20 years. However, there is still a lack of solid consensus in the scientific community about its potential to elicit consistent improvements in untrained domains. Individual differences are considered one of the most important factors of inconsistent reports on cognitive training benefits, as differences in cognitive functioning are both genetic and context-dependent, and might be affected by age and socioeconomic status. We here present a proof of concept based on the hypothesis that baseline individual differences among subjects would provide valuable information to predict the individual effectiveness of a cognitive training intervention. With a dataset from an investigation in which 73 6-year-olds trained their executive functions using an online software with a fixed protocol, freely available at www.matemarote.org.ar, we trained a support vector classifier that successfully predicted (average accuracy = 0.67, AUC = 0.707) whether a child would improve, or not, after the cognitive stimulation, using baseline individual differences as features. We also performed a permutation feature importance analysis that suggested that all features contribute equally to the model's performance. In the long term, this results might allow us to design better training strategies for those players who are less likely to benefit from the current training protocols in order to maximize the stimulation for each child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Vladisauskas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia, Universidad Torcuato di Tella, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Melina Vladisauskas
| | - Laouen M. L. Belloli
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias de la Computación, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Fernández Slezak
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias de la Computación, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea P. Goldin
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia, Universidad Torcuato di Tella, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Utilizing Cognitive Training to Improve Working Memory, Attention, and Impulsivity in School-Aged Children with ADHD and SLD. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020141. [PMID: 35203905 PMCID: PMC8870288 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Students’ use of working memory (WM) is a key to academic success, as many subject areas and various tasks school-aged children encounter require the ability to attend to, work with, and recall information. Children with poor WM ability typically struggle with academic work compared to similar-aged peers without WM deficits. Further, WM has been shown to be significantly correlated with inattention and disorganization in those with ADHD, and WM deficits have also been identified as a potential underpinning of specific learning disorder (SLD). As an intervention technique, the use of computerized cognitive training has demonstrated improved attention and working memory skills in children with WM deficits, and children that have completed cognitive training protocols have demonstrated performance improvements in reading and math. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive training (conducted in a clinical setting) for students diagnosed with ADHD and SLD. Using paired-samples t-tests and a psychometric network modeling technique, results from data obtained from a sample of 43 school-aged children showed (1) that attention and working memory improved following cognitive training and (2) that cognitive training might be related to cognitive structural changes found pre- to post-training among the variables being measured. Implications for clinical practice and school-based interventions are discussed.
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21
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Pasqualotto A, Altarelli I, De Angeli A, Menestrina Z, Bavelier D, Venuti P. Enhancing reading skills through a video game mixing action mechanics and cognitive training. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:545-554. [PMID: 35039655 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In modern societies, training reading skills is fundamental since poor-reading children are at high risk of struggling both at school and in life. Reading relies not only on oral language abilities but also on several executive functions. Considering their importance for literacy, training executive functions-particularly, attentional control has been suggested as a promising way of improving reading skills. For this reason, we developed a video game-based cognitive intervention aimed at improving several facets of executive functions. This game is composed of mini-games that apply gamified versions of standard clinical exercises linked through a game environment with action video game dynamics. Here, in a study involving 151 typically reading children, we demonstrated that after this general-domain behavioural intervention reading abilities, as well as attentional and planning skills, were significantly improved. Our results showed that training attentional control can translate into better reading efficiency, maintained at a follow-up test 6 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pasqualotto
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy. .,Faculte de Psychologie et Science de l'Education, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Antonella De Angeli
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Faculty of Computer Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Zeno Menestrina
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Daphne Bavelier
- Faculte de Psychologie et Science de l'Education, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Paola Venuti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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22
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Feasibility of a Home-Based Task-Switching Training in Middle-Aged Caregivers. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2022; 6:295-315. [PMID: 35966367 PMCID: PMC9360113 DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe current study aimed at investigating feasibility of a self-administered task-switching training in a middle-aged working population. Eighty-one caregivers (41–62 years old) were instructed to train at home 8 times either within a 7- or 14-day interval. Only 56.7% performed more than 50% of the instructed number of training sessions. However, compliant caregivers (who completed more than 4 training sessions) showed significant training gains and transfer to an untrained task-switching task. Although transfer effects to other cognitive tasks were not found, trained participants tended to report fewer everyday memory failures than a control group. In conclusion, the implementation of a home-based task-switching training in everyday life of caregivers is possible. However, there is only limited evidence for generalization of results of previous laboratory studies. Adherence and transfer to other cognitive tasks are discussed as important challenges in conveying laboratory findings into real life.
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23
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Conflict-Related Brain Activity after Individualized Cognitive Training in Preschoolers from Poor Homes. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00223-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gunzenhauser C, Nückles M. Training Executive Functions to Improve Academic Achievement: Tackling Avenues to Far Transfer. Front Psychol 2021; 12:624008. [PMID: 34108906 PMCID: PMC8181736 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of training executive functions is usually to improve the ability to attain real-life goals such as academic achievement, that is, far transfer. Although many executive function trainings are successful in improving executive functions, far transfer is more difficult to achieve (cf. Diamond and Lee, 2011; Sala and Gobet, 2020). In this perspective article, we focus on the transfer of executive function training to academic performance. First, we disentangle possible sources of transfer problems. We argue that executive functions can facilitate academic performance via two specific pathways, namely learning-related behaviors and learning-related cognitions. Further, we discuss how domain-specific factors (e.g., task-specific demands and prior knowledge) may influence the successful application of executive functions to learning in this domain. Second, we discuss how the school setting can be used to enhance executive function training with approaches to facilitating far transfer to academic achievement. Specifically, we suggest that training executive functions as a means to improve academic performance is most promising in young students, for whom both behavioral and domain-specific cognitive demands of formal schooling are quite novel challenges. Furthermore, we outline that students could be supported in far transfer of trained executive functions by being informed of the specific relevance of these skills for learning-related behaviors and by having them practice executive functions under such authentic conditions. Moreover, we suggest that in order to promote ongoing effects of executive function training beyond short-term interventions, teachers should be equipped to consider the specific executive function components that might facilitate and support students' acquisition of a particular subject matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Nückles
- Department of Educational Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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25
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Abstract
Cognitive and behavioural flexibility permit the appropriate adjustment of thoughts and behaviours in response to changing environmental demands. Brain mechanisms enabling flexibility have been examined using non-invasive neuroimaging and behavioural approaches in humans alongside pharmacological and lesion studies in animals. This work has identified large-scale functional brain networks encompassing lateral and orbital frontoparietal, midcingulo-insular and frontostriatal regions that support flexibility across the lifespan. Flexibility can be compromised in early-life neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical conditions that emerge during adolescence and late-life dementias. We critically evaluate evidence for the enhancement of flexibility through cognitive training, physical activity and bilingual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Cao Y, Huang T, Huang J, Xie X, Wang Y. Effects and Moderators of Computer-Based Training on Children's Executive Functions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2020; 11:580329. [PMID: 33324291 PMCID: PMC7726355 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.580329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Computer-based training has attracted increasing attention from researchers in recent years. Several studies have found that computer-based training resulted in improved executive functions (EFs) in adults. However, it remains controversial whether children can benefit from computer-based training and what moderator could influence the training effects. The focus of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effects of computer-based training on EFs in children: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. A thorough search of published work yielded a sample of 36 studies with 216 effect sizes. The results indicated that computer-based training showed moderate training effects on improving EFs in children (g = 0.35, k = 36, p < 0.001), while training effects of working memory were significantly higher. Furthermore, we found near-transfer effects were marginally significantly higher than far-transfer effects. The standard training method was significantly more effective than training with game elements. In computer-based training, typically developing children had significantly better training effects than atypically developing children. Some additional factors, such as the number of training sessions and age, also modulated the training effects. In conclusion, the present study investigated the effects and moderators of computer-based training for children's EFs. The results provided evidence that computer-based training (especially standard training) may serve as an efficient way to improve EFs in children (especially typically developing individuals). We also discussed some directions for future computer-based training studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Cao
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ting Huang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Jipeng Huang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaochun Xie
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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Abstract
Research on executive function in early childhood has flourished in recent years. Much of this work is premised on a view of development of executive function as the emergence of a set of domain-general component processes (e.g., working memory updating, inhibitory control, shifting). This view has shaped how we think about relations between executive function and other aspects of development, the role of the environment in executive-function development, and how best to improve executive function in children who struggle with it. However, there are conceptual and empirical reasons to doubt that executive function should be defined in this way. I argue that the development of executive function is better understood as the emergence of skills in using control in the service of specific goals. Such goals activate and are influenced by mental content such as knowledge, beliefs, norms, values, and preferences that are acquired with development and are important to consider in understanding children’s performance on measures of executive function. This account better explains empirical findings than the component-process view; leads to specific, testable hypotheses; and has implications for theory, measurement, and interventions.
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28
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Giovannetti F, Pietto ML, Segretín MS, Lipina SJ. Impact of an Individualized Cognitive Training Intervention in Preschoolers from Poor Homes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082912. [PMID: 32340155 PMCID: PMC7215356 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, different interventions were shown to be effective in changing cognitive performance in preschoolers from poor homes undertaking tasks with executive demands. However, this evidence also showed that not all children included in the intervention groups equally increased their performance levels, which could be related to individual and contextual variability. The present study aimed to explore the impact of a computerized cognitive training intervention with lab-based tasks in preschoolers from Unsatisfied Basic Needs (UBN) homes under the consideration of their baseline performance. In the context of a randomized controlled trial design, different interventions were administered to children according to their baseline performance in a variety of cognitive tasks (i.e., executive attention, inhibitory control, working memory, and planning demands). The results showed different patterns of impact on performance depending on the experimental group, supporting the importance of considering individual and contextual differences in the design of interventions aimed at optimizing executive functions in poverty-impacted sample populations in early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giovannetti
- Unidad de Neurobiología Aplicada (UNA), CEMIC-CONICET, Buenos Aires C1431FWO, Argentina; (M.L.P.); (M.S.S.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.J.L.)
| | - Marcos Luis Pietto
- Unidad de Neurobiología Aplicada (UNA), CEMIC-CONICET, Buenos Aires C1431FWO, Argentina; (M.L.P.); (M.S.S.)
- Laboratorio de Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias de la Computación, FCEyN-UBA- CONICET, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - María Soledad Segretín
- Unidad de Neurobiología Aplicada (UNA), CEMIC-CONICET, Buenos Aires C1431FWO, Argentina; (M.L.P.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Sebastián Javier Lipina
- Unidad de Neurobiología Aplicada (UNA), CEMIC-CONICET, Buenos Aires C1431FWO, Argentina; (M.L.P.); (M.S.S.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.J.L.)
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29
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Johann V, Könen T, Karbach J. The unique contribution of working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and intelligence to reading comprehension and reading speed. Child Neuropsychol 2019; 26:324-344. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2019.1649381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Johann
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
- Center for Research on Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tanja Könen
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
- Center for Research on Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Karbach
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
- Center for Research on Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Frankfurt, Germany
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