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Chuderski A, Chinta SR. Transcranial alternating current stimulation barely enhances working memory in healthy adults: A meta-analysis. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149022. [PMID: 38801916 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149022] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a pivotal neural mechanism for cognitive function and ability. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) was used to improve WM by entraining key brain rhythms. We submitted to meta-analysis 143 effects of tACS on WM performance, found in 42 reports published between 2014 and 2023, encompassing a total of 1386 healthy adults stimulated. The overall effect size of 134 interventions intended to improve WM equaled Hedges' g = 0.076 [0.039, 0.113]. However, after correcting for a significant publication bias this effect size dropped to zero. By contrast, 9 interventions distorting the brain synchronization using antiphase tACS reliably decreased WM performance, with Hedges' g = -0.266, [-0.458, -0.074]. Individuating the targeted frequency band was the only reliable moderator. The disparity between our null outcome and moderately positive tACS effects estimated by previous meta-analyses resulted from our inclusion of the most recent studies mostly reporting negligible effects. Our results suggest that current tACS protocols barely enhance WM in healthy adults. More research is needed to develop effective methods for WM stimulation.
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De Wachter J, Roose M, Proost M, Habay J, Verstraelen M, De Bock S, De Pauw K, Meeusen R, Van Cutsem J, Roelands B. Prefrontal cortex oxygenation during a mentally fatiguing task in normoxia and hypoxia. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1807-1819. [PMID: 38839618 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06867-y] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Mental fatigue (MF) and hypoxia impair cognitive performance through changes in brain hemodynamics. We want to elucidate the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC)-oxygenation in MF. Twelve participants (22.9 ± 3.5 years) completed four experimental trials, (1) MF in (normobaric) hypoxia (MF_HYP) (3.800 m; 13.5%O2), (2) MF in normoxia (MF_NOR) (98 m; 21.0%O2), (3) Control task in HYP (CON_HYP), (4) Control in NOR (CON_NOR). Participants performed a 2-back task, Digit Symbol Substitution test and Psychomotor Vigilance task before and after a 60-min Stroop task or an emotionally neutral documentary. Brain oxygenation was measured through functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Subjective feelings of MF and physiological measures (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose and hemoglobin) were recorded. The Stroop task resulted in increased subjective feelings of MF compared to watching the documentary. 2-back accuracy was lower post task compared to pre task in MF_NOR and CON_NOR, while no differences were found in the other cognitive tasks. The fraction of inspired oxygen did not impact feelings of MF. Although performing the Stroop resulted in higher subjective feelings of MF, hypoxia had no effect on the severity of self-reported MF. Additionally, this study could not provide evidence for a role of oxygenation of the PFC in the build-up of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas De Wachter
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manon Roose
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Proost
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jelle Habay
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Verstraelen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sander De Bock
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Pauw
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Meeusen
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Van Cutsem
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIPER Research Unit, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Roelands
- Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Erker TD, Arif Y, John JA, Embury CM, Kress KA, Springer SD, Okelberry HJ, McDonald KM, Picci G, Wiesman AI, Wilson TW. Neuromodulatory effects of parietal high-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation on network-level activity serving fluid intelligence. J Physiol 2024; 602:2917-2930. [PMID: 38758592 PMCID: PMC11178466 DOI: 10.1113/jp286004] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves rational thinking skills and requires the integration of information from different cortical regions to resolve novel complex problems. The effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on Gf have been studied in attempts to improve Gf, but such studies are rare and the few existing have reached conflicting conclusions. The parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence (P-FIT) postulates that the parietal and frontal lobes play a critical role in Gf. To investigate the suggested role of parietal cortices, we applied high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the left and right parietal cortices of 39 healthy adults (age 19-33 years) for 20 min in three separate sessions (left active, right active and sham). After completing the stimulation session, the participants completed a logical reasoning task based on Raven's Progressive Matrices during magnetoencephalography. Significant neural responses at the sensor level across all stimulation conditions were imaged using a beamformer. Whole-brain, spectrally constrained functional connectivity was then computed to examine the network-level activity. Behaviourally, we found that participants were significantly more accurate following left compared to right parietal stimulation. Regarding neural findings, we found significant HD-tDCS montage-related effects in brain networks thought to be critical for P-FIT, including parieto-occipital, fronto-occipital, fronto-parietal and occipito-cerebellar connectivity during task performance. In conclusion, our findings showed that left parietal stimulation improved abstract reasoning abilities relative to right parietal stimulation and support both P-FIT and the neural efficiency hypothesis. KEY POINTS: Abstract reasoning is a critical component of fluid intelligence and is known to be served by multispectral oscillatory activity in the fronto-parietal cortices. Recent studies have aimed to improve abstract reasoning abilities and fluid intelligence overall through behavioural training, but the results have been mixed. High-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation (HD-tDCS) applied to the parietal cortices modulated task performance and neural oscillations during abstract reasoning. Left parietal stimulation resulted in increased accuracy and decreased functional connectivity between occipital regions and frontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions. Future studies should investigate whether HD-tDCS alters abstract reasoning abilities in those who exhibit declines in performance, such as healthy ageing populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara D Erker
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jason A John
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christine M Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kennedy A Kress
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Seth D Springer
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hannah J Okelberry
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kellen M McDonald
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Giorgia Picci
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Alex I Wiesman
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Sabadell V, Trébuchon A, Alario FX. An exploration of anomia rehabilitation in drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 27:100681. [PMID: 38881885 PMCID: PMC11178986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Around 40% of patients who undergo a left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE) surgery suffer from anomia (word-finding difficulties), a condition that negatively impacts quality of life. Despite these observations, language rehabilitation is still understudied in LTLE. We assessed the effect of a four-week rehabilitation on four drug-resistant LTLE patients after their surgery. The anomia rehabilitation was based on cognitive descriptions of word finding deficits in LTLE. Its primary ingredients were psycholinguistic tasks and a psychoeducation approach to help patients cope with daily communication issues. We repeatedly assessed naming skills for trained and untrained words, before and during the therapy using an A-B design with follow-up and replication. Subjective anomia complaint and standardized language assessments were also collected. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program for trained words despite the persistence of seizures. Furthermore, encouraging results were observed for untrained items. Variable changes in anomia complaint were observed. One patient who conducted the protocol as self-rehabilitation responded similarly to the others, despite the different manner of intervention. These results open promising avenues for helping epileptic patients suffering from anomia. For example, this post-operative program could easily be adapted to be conducted preoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnès Trébuchon
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
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Banta Lavenex P, Blandin ML, Gaborieau C, Lavenex P. Well-designed manufacturing work improves some cognitive abilities in individuals with cognitive impairments. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2024; 5:1377133. [PMID: 38813372 PMCID: PMC11135131 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1377133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Employment is recognized as a fundamental human right, which correlates with better physical and mental health. Importantly, well-designed work, which considers the physical, social, and psychological impacts of work, can serve to enhance the cognitive abilities of workers. Although often overlooked, work for individuals with disabilities, including cognitive impairments, is equally important for their physical and mental well-being. What has not been established, however, is whether well-designed work can also enhance the cognitive abilities of individuals with cognitive impairments. Methods Using a longitudinal study design, we investigated the impact of well-designed work on the cognitive abilities of 60 participants (operators) at the AMIPI Foundation factories, which employ individuals with cognitive impairments to produce electrical cables and harnesses for the automobile industry. The same operators were assessed at three different time points: upon hiring (n = 60), and after working in the factory for 1 year (n = 41, since 19 left the factory) and 2 years (n = 28, since 13 more left the factory). We used five cognitive tests evaluating: (1) finger and manual dexterity, bimanual dexterity, and procedural memory using the Purdue Pegboard; (2) sustained and selective attention using the Symbol Cancellation Task; (3) short- and long-term declarative verbal memory and long-term verbal recognition memory using Rey's Audio-Verbal Learning Test; (4) short- and long-term visual recognition memory using the Continuous Visual Memory Test; and (5) abstract reasoning using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Results We observed improvements in procedural memory, sustained and selective attention, and short- and long-term visual recognition memory after working in the factory for 1 or 2 years. We did not observe improvements in finger or manual dexterity or bimanual dexterity, nor short- or long-term declarative verbal memory or verbal recognition memory, nor abstract reasoning. Discussion We conclude that, in addition to improving physical and mental well-being, well-designed manufacturing work can serve as a training intervention improving some types of cognitive functioning in individuals with cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pierre Lavenex
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Development, Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Mazo G, Pantaléo S, van der Oord A, Picq JL, Hertz-Pannier L, Brunet E, Azouvi P, Vallat-Azouvi C. Rehabilitation of working memory after acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-39. [PMID: 38430123 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2319909] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The objective is to study the effectiveness of working memory (WM) rehabilitation after Acquired brain injury (ABI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). A systematic database search of published studies, following PRISMA recommendations, with assessment of methodological quality and risk of bias, was conducted. The results were analysed according to the rehabilitation method used. 31 studies (including 14 class I) were included, and 11 different training programs were identified. Despite great variability in training methodology and outcome measures, the results were positive overall. However, only three rehabilitation programs showed a transfer effect to WM (near) and daily life with long-term maintenance. The results were more variable for protocols limited to the use of computerized n-back training tasks. Overall, the current evidence supports multi-task WM training rather than single-task-limited program. It also supports early and long duration training, with some therapist support. However, it is not possible, to date, to make strong recommendations regarding the rehabilitation program to be used preferentially. Although results are encouraging, level of evidence remains modest, particularly regarding the maintenance of the therapeutic effect after the end of training, and the transfer to everyday life skills. The influence of rehabilitation parameters (training duration, therapist involvement … ) remains difficult to assess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mazo
- DysCo Laboratory, Paris 8 Saint-Denis University, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Picq
- DysCo Laboratory, Paris 8 Saint-Denis University, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Hertz-Pannier
- UNIACT/Neurospin/Joliot/CEA-SACLAY and U1141 NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Eric Brunet
- Team DevPsy, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, UMR 1018, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
- Hospital Mignot-Versailles, Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, France
| | - Philippe Azouvi
- AP-HP, GHU Paris-Saclay, Raymond. Poincaré Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Garches, France
- Team DevPsy, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, UMR 1018, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Claire Vallat-Azouvi
- DysCo Laboratory, Paris 8 Saint-Denis University, Paris, France
- Antenne UEROS-UGECAMIDF, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France
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Lieberman HR, Caldwell JA, Vartanian O, Carmichael OT, Karl JP, Berryman CE, Gadde KM, Niro PJ, Harris MN, Rood JC, Pasiakos SM. Effects of testosterone enanthate on aggression, risk-taking, competition, mood, and other cognitive domains during 28 days of severe energy deprivation. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:461-478. [PMID: 38038817 PMCID: PMC10884082 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06502-8] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Behavioral effects of testosterone depend on dose, acute versus sustained formulation, duration of administration, personality, genetics, and endogenous levels of testosterone. There are also considerable differences between effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone. OBJECTIVES This study was the secondary behavioral arm of a registered clinical trial designed to determine if testosterone protects against loss of lean body mass and lower-body muscle function induced by a severe energy deficit typical of sustained military operations. METHODS Behavioral effects of repeated doses of testosterone on healthy young men whose testosterone was reduced by severe energy deficit were examined. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-group study. Effects of four weekly intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week, N = 24) or matching placebo (N = 26) were evaluated. Determination of sample size was based on changes in lean body mass. Tasks assessing aggression, risk-taking, competition, social cognition, vigilance, memory, executive function, and mood were repeatedly administered. RESULTS During a period of artificially induced, low testosterone levels, consistent behavioral effects of administration of exogenous testosterone were not observed. CONCLUSIONS Exogeneous testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week) during severe energy restriction did not reliably alter the measures of cognition. Study limitations include the relatively small sample size compared to many studies of acute testosterone administration. The findings are specific to healthy males experiencing severe energy deficit and should not be generalized to effects of other doses, formulations, or acute administration of endogenous testosterone or studies conducted with larger samples using tests of cognitive function designed to detect specific effects of testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harris R Lieberman
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA.
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - John A Caldwell
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Laulima Government Solutions, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Oshin Vartanian
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Owen T Carmichael
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - J Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claire E Berryman
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Kishore M Gadde
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Philip J Niro
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa N Harris
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Jennifer C Rood
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Stefan M Pasiakos
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, 01760-5007, USA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Diedrich L, Kolhoff HI, Chakalov I, Vékony T, Németh D, Antal A. Prefrontal theta-gamma transcranial alternating current stimulation improves non-declarative visuomotor learning in older adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4955. [PMID: 38418511 PMCID: PMC10901881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55125-2] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The rise in the global population of older adults underscores the significance to investigate age-related cognitive disorders and develop early treatment modalities. Previous research suggests that non-invasive transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) can moderately improve cognitive decline in older adults. However, non-declarative cognition has received relatively less attention. This study investigates whether repeated (16-day) bilateral theta-gamma cross-frequency tACS targeting the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) enhances non-declarative memory. Computerized cognitive training was applied alongside stimulation to control for the state-of-the-brain. The Alternating Serial Reaction Time (ASRT) task was employed to assess non-declarative functions such as visuomotor skill and probabilistic sequence learning. Results from 35 participants aged 55-82 indicated that active tACS led to more substantial improvements in visuomotor skills immediately after treatment, which persisted 3 months later, compared to sham tACS. Treatment benefit was more pronounced in older adults of younger age and those with pre-existing cognitive decline. However, neither intervention group exhibited modulation of probabilistic sequence learning. These results suggest that repeated theta-gamma tACS can selectively improve distinct non-declarative cognitive aspects when targeting the DLPFC. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of tACS in addressing deficits in learning and retaining general skills, which could have a positive impact on the quality of life for cognitively impaired older individuals by preserving independence in daily activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Diedrich
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Hannah I Kolhoff
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Chakalov
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Teodóra Vékony
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Dezső Németh
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, INSERM, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
- BML-NAP Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University and Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Atlántico Medio, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Chen DY, Di X, Amaya N, Sun H, Pal S, Biswal BB. Brain activation during the N-back working memory task in individuals with spinal cord injury: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579655. [PMID: 38405769 PMCID: PMC10888902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments have frequently been reported in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) across different domains such as working memory, attention, and executive function. The mechanism of cognitive impairment after SCI is not well understood due to the heterogeneity of SCI sample populations, and may possibly be due to factors such as cardiovascular dysfunction, concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypoxia, sleep disorders, and body temperature dysregulation. In this study, we implement the Neuropsychiatric Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG) to assess cognitive differences between individuals with SCI and age-matched able-bodied (AB) controls. We then use an N-back working memory task and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to elucidate the neurovascular correlates of cognitive function in individuals with SCI. We observed significant differences between the SCI and AB groups on measures of executive function on the NUCOG test. On the N-back task, across the three levels of difficulty: 0-back, 2-back, and 3-back, no significant differences were observed between the SCI and AB group; however, both groups performed worse as the level of difficulty increased. Although there were no significant differences in N-back performance scores between the two groups, functional brain hemodynamic activity differences were observed between the SCI and AB groups, with the SCI group exhibiting higher maximum oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the right inferior parietal lobe. These findings support the use of fNIRS to study cognitive function in individuals with SCI and may provide a useful tool during rehabilitation to obtain quantitative functional brain activity metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Y. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Nayyar Amaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
| | - Hai Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, US
| | - Saikat Pal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, US
| | - Bharat B. Biswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, US
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Schweizer S, Leung JT, Trender W, Kievit R, Hampshire A, Blakemore SJ. Changes in affective control covary with changes in mental health difficulties following affective control training (AffeCT) in adolescents. Psychol Med 2024; 54:539-547. [PMID: 37609895 PMCID: PMC7615678 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002167] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Everyday affective fluctuations are more extreme and more frequent in adolescence compared to any other time in development. Successful regulation of these affective experiences is important for good mental health and has been proposed to depend on affective control. The present study examined whether improving affective control through a computerised affective control training app (AffeCT) would benefit adolescent mental health. METHODS One-hundred and ninety-nine participants (11-19 years) were assigned to complete 2 weeks of AffeCT or placebo training on an app. Affective control (i.e. affective inhibition, affective updating and affective shifting), mental health and emotion regulation were assessed at pre- and post-training. Mental health and emotion regulation were assessed again one month and one year later. RESULTS Compared with the placebo group, the AffeCT group showed significantly greater improvements in affective control on the trained measure. AffeCT did not, relative to placebo, lead to better performance on untrained measures of affective control. Pre- to post-training change in affective control covaried with pre- to post-training change in mental health problems in the AffeCT but not the placebo group. These mental health benefits of AffeCT were only observed immediately following training and did not extend to 1 month or year post-training. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study provides preliminary evidence that AffeCT may confer short-term preventative benefits for adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schweizer
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
| | - Jovita T Leung
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, England
| | - William Trender
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England
| | - Rogier Kievit
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Adam Hampshire
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England
| | - Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, England
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11
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Laine M, Fellman D, Eräste T, Ritakallio L, Salmi J. Strategy use and its evolvement in word list learning: a replication study. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230651. [PMID: 38356871 PMCID: PMC10864779 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Spontaneous strategy employment is important for memory performance, but systematic research on strategy use and within-task evolvement is limited. This online study aimed to replicate three main findings by Waris and colleagues in Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2021): in word-list learning, spontaneous strategy use (1) predicts better task performance, (2) stabilizes along the task, and (3) increases during the first two task blocks. We administered a shortened version of their original real-word list-learning task to 209 neurotypical adults. Their first finding was partly replicated: manipulation strategies (grouping, visualization, association, narrative, other strategy) but not maintenance strategies (rehearsal/repetition, selective focus) were associated with superior word recall. The second finding on the decrease in strategy changers over task blocks was replicated. The third finding turned out to be misguided: neither our nor the original study showed task-initial increase in strategy use in the real-word learning condition. Our results confirm the important role of spontaneous strategies in understanding memory performance and the existence of task-initial dynamics in strategy employment. They support the general conclusions by Waris and colleagues: task demands can trigger strategy use even in a familiar task like learning a list of common words, and evolution of strategy use during a memory task reflects cognitive skill learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Laine
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Fellman
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Tilda Eräste
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Ritakallio
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Salmi
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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12
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Yanaoka K, Van't Wout F, Saito S, Jarrold C. Evidence for positive and negative transfer of abstract task knowledge in adults and school-aged children. Cognition 2024; 242:105650. [PMID: 37913636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2023.105650] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Engaging cognitive control is essential to flexibly adapt to constantly changing environments. However, relatively little is known about how prior task experience impacts on the engagement of cognitive control in novel task environments. We aimed to clarify how individuals learn and transfer the engagement of cognitive control with a focus on the hierarchical and temporal aspects of task knowledge. Highlighting two distinct cognitive control processes, the engagement of cognitive control in advance (proactive control) and in response to conflicts (reactive control), we conducted six preregistered online experiments with both adults (Experiment 1, 3, and 5: N = 71, N = 108, and N = 70) and 9- to 10-year-olds (Experiment 2, 4, 6: N = 69, N = 108, and N = 70). Using two different experimental paradigms, we demonstrated that prior task experience of engaging reactive control makes adults and 9-to 10-year-olds respond in a reactive way in a subsequent similar-structured condition with different stimuli in which proactive control could have been engaged. This indicates that individuals do learn knowledge about the temporal structure of task goal activation and, on occasion, negatively transfer this knowledge. Furthermore, individuals exhibited these negative transfer effects in a similar-structured condition with different task goals and stimuli, indicating that they learn hierarchically-structured task knowledge. The collective findings suggest a new way of understanding how hierarchical and temporal task knowledge influences the engagement of cognitive control and highlight potential mechanisms underlying the near transfer effects observed in cognitive control training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaichi Yanaoka
- Osaka Kyoiku University, 4-88 Minami Kawahoricho, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0054, JP, Japan.
| | - Félice Van't Wout
- University of Exeter, Perry Road, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Satoru Saito
- Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, JP, Japan
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13
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Ness T, Langlois VJ, Kim AE, Novick JM. The State of Cognitive Control in Language Processing. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023:17456916231197122. [PMID: 37819251 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231197122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding language requires readers and listeners to cull meaning from fast-unfolding messages that often contain conflicting cues pointing to incompatible ways of interpreting the input (e.g., "The cat was chased by the mouse"). This article reviews mounting evidence from multiple methods demonstrating that cognitive control plays an essential role in resolving conflict during language comprehension. How does cognitive control accomplish this task? Psycholinguistic proposals have conspicuously failed to address this question. We introduce an account in which cognitive control aids language processing when cues conflict by sending top-down biasing signals that strengthen the interpretation supported by the most reliable evidence available. We also provide a computationally plausible model that solves the critical problem of how cognitive control "knows" which way to direct its biasing signal by allowing linguistic knowledge itself to issue crucial guidance. Such a mental architecture can explain a range of experimental findings, including how moment-to-moment shifts in cognitive-control state-its level of activity within a person-directly impact how quickly and successfully language comprehension is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Ness
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences and Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Valerie J Langlois
- Institute for Cognitive Science and Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder
| | - Albert E Kim
- Institute for Cognitive Science and Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder
| | - Jared M Novick
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences and Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland, College Park
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14
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Ni N, Gathercole SE, Norris D, Saito S. Asymmetric negative transfer effects of working memory training. Mem Cognit 2023; 51:1654-1669. [PMID: 37084067 PMCID: PMC10520134 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-023-01412-8] [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] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Gathercole et al. (Journal of Memory and Language, 105, 19-42, 2019) presented a cognitive routine framework for explaining the underlying mechanisms of working memory (WM) training and transfer. This framework conceptualizes training-induced changes as the acquisition of novel cognitive routines similar to learning a new skill. We further infer that WM training might not always generate positive outcomes because previously acquired routines may affect subsequent task performance in various ways. Thus, the present study aimed to demonstrate the negative effects of WM training via two experiments. We conducted Experiment 1 online using a two-phase training paradigm with only three training sessions per phase and replicated the key findings of Gathercole and Norris (in prep.) that training on a backward circle span task (a spatial task) transferred negatively to subsequent training on a backward letter span task (a verbal task). We conducted Experiment 2 using a reversed task order design corresponding to Experiment 1. The results indicated that the transfer from backward letter training to backward circle training was not negative, but rather weakly positive, suggesting that the direction of the negative transfer effect is asymmetric. The present study therefore found that a negative transfer effect can indeed occur under certain WM training designs. The presence of this asymmetric effect indicates that backward circle and backward letter tasks require different optimal routines and that the locus of negative transfer might be the acquisition process of such optimal routines. Hence, the routines already established for backward circle might hinder the development of optimal routines for backward letter, but not vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ni
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Susan E Gathercole
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dennis Norris
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Satoru Saito
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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15
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Studer-Luethi B, Boesch V, Lusti S, Meier B. Fostering cognitive performance in older adults with a process- and a strategy-based cognitive training. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2023; 30:837-859. [PMID: 35912438 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2022.2105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of process-based and strategy-based cognitive training to boost performance in healthy older adults. Three groups trained with either a dichotic listening training (process-based training, n = 25), an implementation intention strategy training (strategy-based training, n = 23), or served as a non-contact control group (n = 30). Our results demonstrated that training participants improved their performance in the trained tasks (process-based training: d = 3.01, strategy-based training: d = 2.6). For untrained tasks, the process-based training group showed significant working memory (d = .58) as well as episodic memory task improvement (d = 1.19) compared to the strategy-based training and to the non-contact control group (all d < .03). In contrast, in the strategy-based training group there was a tendency towards some performance gain in a fluid intelligence test (d = .92). These results indicate that cognitive training can be tailored to improve specific cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valérie Boesch
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat Meier
- Institute for Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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16
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Kimura T, Matsuura R. The content-dependent effect of the N-back task on dual-task performance. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114511. [PMID: 37263422 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114511] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Impaired task accuracy under dual-task conditions leads to issues such as falls and traffic accidents. Specific cognitive tasks (e.g., the N-back task) potentially improves dual-task performance. This study aims to establish an effective cognitive-task methodology for clinical practice and identify dual-task combinations in which the N-back task is likely to improve performance. Twenty-one young, healthy adults performed an intervention task (either N-back or control), followed by single- and dual tasks in the disappearing or dexterity condition, to assess its effect on different days. The participants performed force-control and calculation tasks in both disappearing and dexterity conditions. In the disappearing force-control task, target waveforms disappeared after a few practice trials, and the participants recalled them and adjusted their knee extension torque. The dexterity force-control task involved presenting complex waveforms. The participants carefully observed the waveforms, and adjusted their knee extension torque. We measured changes in the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using near-infrared spectroscopy to determine whether the N-back-task-induced changes contributed to improving dual-task performance. For dual-task performance in the disappearing condition, the N-back task improved the performance of the disappearing force-control task, but the control task did not. The other results were the same regardless of the type of intervention task. The N-back task enhanced a portion of the DLPFC excitability. However, no correlation was observed between changes in dual-task performance and in DLPFC excitability. Our findings may contribute to establishing an effective method for improving dual-task performance using cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehide Kimura
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, 6-8-33 Manabe, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Ryouta Matsuura
- Living and Health Sciences Education, Specialized Subject Fields of Education, Graduate School of Education, Joetsu University of Education, Joetsu, Japan
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17
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Jansen MG, Oosterman JM, Folkerts AK, Chakraverty D, Kessels RPC, Kalbe E, Roheger M. Classification Of MeMory InTerventions: Rationale and developmental process of the COMMIT tool. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37523444 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2236346] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTOver the last decades, numerous memory interventions have been developed to mitigate memory decline in normal ageing. However, there is a large variability in the success of memory interventions, and it remains poorly understood which memory intervention programs are most effective and for whom. This is partially explained by the heterogeneity of memory intervention protocols across studies as well as often poor reporting of the study design. To facilitate a reporting framework that enables researchers to systemize the content and design of memory intervention paradigms, we developed the Classification Of MeMory InTerventions (COMMIT) tool using a 3-stage developmental process. Briefly, COMMIT was based on qualitative content analysis of already existing memory intervention studies published between April 1983 and July 2020, and iteratively validated by both internal and external expert panels. COMMIT provides an easily-applicable interactive tool that enables systematic description of memory intervention studies, together with instructions on how to use this classification tool. Our main goal is to provide a tool that enables the reporting and classification of memory interventions in a transparent, comprehensible, and complete manner, to ensure a better comparability between memory interventions, and, to ultimately contribute to the question which memory intervention shows the greatest benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G Jansen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joukje M Oosterman
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Interventions (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Digo Chakraverty
- Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Interventions (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology & Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Medical Psychology, Neuropsychology and Gender Studies & Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Interventions (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mandy Roheger
- Department of Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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18
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Jaeggi SM, Weaver AN, Carbone E, Trane FE, Smith-Peirce RN, Buschkuehl M, Flueckiger C, Carlson M, Jonides J, Borella E. EngAge - A metacognitive intervention to supplement working memory training: A feasibility study in older adults. AGING BRAIN 2023; 4:100083. [PMID: 38098966 PMCID: PMC10719574 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2023.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Working Memory (WM) training has shown promise in supporting cognitive functioning in older adult populations, but effects that generalize beyond the trained task have been inconsistent. Targeting cognitive processes in isolation might be a limiting factor given that metacognitive and motivational factors have been shown to impact older adults' engagement with challenging cognitive activities, such as WM training. The current feasibility study implemented a novel metacognitive intervention in conjunction with WM training in older adults and examined its potential amplifying short- and long-term effects on cognitive and self-report outcomes as compared to WM or active control training alone. One-hundred and nineteen older adults completed a cognitive training over the course of 20 sessions at home. The cognitive training targeted either WM or general knowledge. In addition, one of the WM training groups completed a metacognitive program via group seminars. We tested for group differences in WM, inhibitory control, and episodic memory, and we assessed participants' perceived self-efficacy and everyday memory failures. At post-test, we replicated earlier work by demonstrating that participants who completed the WM intervention outperformed the active control group in non-trained WM measures, and to some extent, in inhibitory control. However, we found no evidence that the supplemental metacognitive program led to benefits over and above the WM intervention. Nonetheless, we conclude that our metacognitive program is a step in the right direction given the tentative long-term effects and participants' positive feedback, but more longitudinal data with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these early findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
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19
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Cheng J, Li J, Wang A, Zhang M. Semantic Bimodal Presentation Differentially Slows Working Memory Retrieval. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050811. [PMID: 37239283 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although evidence has shown that working memory (WM) can be differentially affected by the multisensory congruency of different visual and auditory stimuli, it remains unclear whether different multisensory congruency about concrete and abstract words could impact further WM retrieval. By manipulating the attention focus toward different matching conditions of visual and auditory word characteristics in a 2-back paradigm, the present study revealed that for the characteristically incongruent condition under the auditory retrieval condition, the response to abstract words was faster than that to concrete words, indicating that auditory abstract words are not affected by visual representation, while auditory concrete words are. Alternatively, for concrete words under the visual retrieval condition, WM retrieval was faster in the characteristically incongruent condition than in the characteristically congruent condition, indicating that visual representation formed by auditory concrete words may interfere with WM retrieval of visual concrete words. The present findings demonstrated that concrete words in multisensory conditions may be too aggressively encoded with other visual representations, which would inadvertently slow WM retrieval. However, abstract words seem to suppress interference better, showing better WM performance than concrete words in the multisensory condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cheng
- Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-0082, Japan
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20
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Predicting physical fatigue in athletes in rope skipping training using ECG signals. Biomed Signal Process Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2023.104663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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21
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Wang YF, Bian W, Wei J, Hu S. Anxiety-reducing effects of working memory training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:269-278. [PMID: 36958492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether working memory training will relieve anxiety in participants. METHODS The PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched up to January 25, 2022. We included random controlled trials with low to moderate risk of bias in comparing working memory training with control condition as the only intervention in treating anxiety (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022300404). The language was restricted to English. Data extraction was independently carried out by two authors, following the PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. RESULTS Of the 477 records identified, 19 studies (n = 1051) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the post-training anxiety was reduced with a small but significant value (Hedge's g = -0.392, p = .009) by working memory training. Subgroup analyses confirmed that the moderating effect of anxiety type, anxiety measurement and training environment were significant. LIMITATIONS These results should be considered with caution for the heterogeneity of training paradigms, participant population and types of anxiety assessed between studies. Further research is required to support these results. CONCLUSIONS Working memory training is a promising intervention to relieve anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Bian
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuang Hu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
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22
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Matsuzaki Y, Nouchi R, Sakaki K, Dinet J, Kawashima R. The Effect of Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060843. [PMID: 36981504 PMCID: PMC10048721 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cognitive training aims to improve cognitive function through cognitive tasks or training games. Neurofeedback is a technique to monitor brain signals with either visual or auditory feedback. Previous studies suggest that a combination of cognitive training and neurofeedback has a superior effect on cognitive functions compared with cognitive training alone. However, no systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the benefits of cognitive training with neurofeedback (CTNF) exist. The purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of CTNF in healthy adults using a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, PsychoINFO, and MEDLINE were searched for research papers reporting the results of interventions using CTNF. Results: After an initial screening of 234 records, three studies using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and one study using electroencephalography were extracted from the database. We performed a multi-level meta-analysis with three NIRS studies including 166 participants (mean ages ranged from 21.43 to 65.96 years). A multi-level meta-analysis revealed that CTNF has a beneficial effect on the episodic, long-term, and working memory domains. Conclusions: Although three studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, our results indicate that CTNF using NIRS would lead to improvements in memory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Matsuzaki
- Division of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.M.); (R.N.); Tel.: +81-22-717-7988 (Y.M.); +81-22-717-8952 (R.N.)
| | - Rui Nouchi
- Department of Cognitive Health Science, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Smart Aging Research Center (S.A.R.C.), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.M.); (R.N.); Tel.: +81-22-717-7988 (Y.M.); +81-22-717-8952 (R.N.)
| | - Kohei Sakaki
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Jérôme Dinet
- Laboratoire Lorrain de Psychologie et Neurosciences de la Dynamique des Comportements (2LPN), Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Ryuta Kawashima
- Division of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Cognitive Health Science, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Smart Aging Research Center (S.A.R.C.), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer (IDAC), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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23
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The mechanisms of far transfer from cognitive training: specifying the role of distraction suppression. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:425-440. [PMID: 35352156 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive training aims to produce a durable transfer to untrained abilities (i.e., far transfer). However, designing effective programs is difficult, because far transfer mechanisms are not well understood. Greenwood and Parasuraman (Neuropsychol 30(6):742-755. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000235 , 2016) proposed that the ability to ignore distractions is key in promoting far transfer. While the authors identified working-memory training based on the N-back task as an effective way to train distraction suppression, a recent meta-analysis concluded that this form of training rarely produces far transfer. Such inconsistency casts doubt onto the importance of distraction suppression in far transfer and calls for further examination of the role of this ability in cognitive training effectiveness. We propose here to conceptualize distraction suppression in the light of the load theory of attention, which distinguishes two mechanisms of distractor rejection depending on the level and type of information load involved: perceptual selection and cognitive control. From that standpoint, N-back training engages a single suppression mechanism, namely cognitive control, because it mainly involves low perceptual load. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of N-back training in producing far transfer to that of a new response-competition training paradigm that solicits both distraction suppression mechanisms. Response-competition training was the only one to produce far transfer effects relative to an active control training. These findings provided further support to Greenwood and Parasuraman's hypothesis and suggest that both selection perception and cognitive control need to be engaged during training to increase the ability to suppress distraction, hence to promote far transfer.
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24
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Working memory training improves children's syntactic ability but not vice versa: A randomized control trial. J Exp Child Psychol 2023; 227:105593. [PMID: 36521202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2022.105593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We tested several hypotheses about the relation between syntax and working memory (WM). In a pretest/posttest randomized control trial, 104 native Cuban Spanish-speaking children (Mage = 7 years 2 months; 54 girls) took part in syntax training in their first language, syntax training in their second language, WM training, or no training (control). Compared with the control, children in the training conditions showed cognitive transfer from WM to syntax but not from syntax to WM. The result was most striking in the case of their first language, where WM training was as effective as language training in boosting syntactic performance. As well as establishing cognitive transfer at the group level, we also found that individual differences in WM performance, both at baseline and in training, predicted the extent to which children's syntax improved. The directionality of transfer, the group-level and individual-level results, established in the context of a randomized control design, all point to a strong causal role for domain-general cognition in the processes of language acquisition.
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Vural Keleş Ö, Yıldırım E. Depression affects working memory performance: A Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 329:111581. [PMID: 36587535 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a complex disorder that can be caused by psychosocial and biological conditions, and it not only affects to emotional life, but also cognitive functions, specifically the executive functions, attention, psychomotor speed, and memory. Some results of the studies in the literature show that depressed individuals perform worse on cognitive tasks than healthy individuals, while others indicate that there is no difference. Moreover, there is also no consensus about the depressed people brain functionalities. We aimed to compare the people who has high and low depression score measured with Beck Depression Inventory in terms of their working memory performance by using n-back paradigm and their brain activity by using optical imaging with this study. The age of lower BDI group (n = 11) is 23,9 ± 3,04 and higher BDI group (n = 23) is 22,2 + 2,28. The fNIRS were recorded from each subject while neutral words-faces and emotional words-faces are given to the subjects in the visuospatial 2-back WM task. There are no significant differences between the two groups behaviorally during the working memory performance, however, the high BDI group's PFC activation in right hemisphere is founded to be higher than the lower group. Our findings support the literature who is claiming the difference brain activity in depressed brain but not cognitive performance. Though, the small group size and the task difficulty (easy) could be the explanation of the behavioral results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Vural Keleş
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature, Bartin University, Turkey.
| | - Erol Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Vanbilsen N, Pergher V, Van Hulle MM. Effects of task-specific strategy on attentional control game training: preliminary data from healthy adults. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Covey TJ, Shucard JL, Wang X, Gregory MA, Shucard DW. Cognitive skill learning in multiple sclerosis: A meaningful component of the neuropsychological profile. Brain Cogn 2023; 166:105959. [PMID: 36842286 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105959] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive skill learning (CSL) refers to the capacity to improve performance on specific cognitive operations through repeated practice. We hypothesized that high CSL aptitude may promote accumulation of cognitive reserve, and resiliency to cognitive decline, in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Using an adaptive working memory training paradigm, we obtained CSL aptitude indices (amount of improvement on the training task over time) in MS patients for a single session of practice (25-30 min), and longer-term practice (twenty sessions). Neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM). CSL aptitude measures were positively correlated with neuropsychological performance, and had high diagnostic accuracy for classifying cognitive impairment in MS, defined as 1.5 SD below the demographics-corrected normative mean of the SDMT. Positive relationships between CSL aptitude measures and neuropsychological performance tended to be more pronounced for individuals with high estimated cognitive reserve, suggesting that high CSL aptitude is a a factor that promotes the protective effects of cognitive reserve. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated that CSL aptitude is separable from baseline cognitive capacity. The findings suggest that CSL aptitude impacts the neuropsychological profile in MS, and may be a factor underlying variance in cognitive resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Covey
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States; Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States.
| | - Janet L Shucard
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States; Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States
| | - Xuedi Wang
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States; Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States
| | - Madeline A Gregory
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States; Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States
| | - David W Shucard
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States; Neuroscience Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, United States
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Ben Izhak S, Lavidor M. Strategy and Core Cognitive Training Effects on Working Memory Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2023.2172413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shachar Ben Izhak
- Department of Psychology, and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University
| | - Michal Lavidor
- Department of Psychology, and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University
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Aksu S, Hasırcı Bayır BR, Sayman C, Soyata AZ, Boz G, Karamürsel S. Working memory ımprovement after transcranial direct current stimulation paired with working memory training ın diabetic peripheral neuropathy. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023:1-14. [PMID: 36630270 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2164717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Association of cognitive deficits and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is frequent. Working memory (WM) deficits result in impairment of daily activities, diminished functionality, and treatment compliance. Mounting evidence suggests that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with concurrent working memory training (WMT) ameliorates cognitive deficits. Emboldening results of tDCS were shown in DPN. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) coupled with cathodal right DLPFC with concurrent WMT in DPN for the first time. The present randomized triple-blind parallel-group sham-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of 5 sessions of tDCS over the DLPFC concurrent with WMT in 28 individuals with painful DPN on cognitive (primary) and pain-related, psychiatric outcome measures before, immediately after, and 1-month after treatment protocol. tDCS enhanced the efficacy of WMT on working memory and yielded lower anxiety levels than sham tDCS but efficacy was not superior to sham on other cognitive domains, pain severity, quality of life, and depression. tDCS with concurrent WMT enhanced WM and ameliorated anxiety in DPN without affecting other cognitive and pain-related outcomes. Further research scrutinizing the short/long-term efficacy with larger samples is accredited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Aksu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Türkiye
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Buse Rahime Hasırcı Bayır
- Department of Neurology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ceyhun Sayman
- Translational Neurodevelopmental Neuroscience Phd Programme, Institute of Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Zihni Soyata
- Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, Başakşehir State Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökalp Boz
- Department of Psychology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sacit Karamürsel
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Kulkarni M, Covey TJ. Examination of the temporal-spatial dynamics of working memory training-induced neuroplasticity. Brain Res 2023; 1798:148135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Booth SJ, Brown LJE, Taylor JR, Pobric G. Experimental investigation of training schedule on home-based working memory training in healthy older adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1165275. [PMID: 37187566 PMCID: PMC10175577 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The efficacy of working memory training (WMT) for cognitive enhancement in healthy older adults has been extensively investigated. Typically, WMT results in improved performance on the training task, but limited or no transfer of improvement to other cognitive tasks. Accordingly, there is a need to identify optimal intervention parameters to maximize training and transfer task effects of WMT. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of training schedule on training and transfer task performance of WMT in healthy older adults. A secondary aim was to examine the feasibility of participants performing the intervention online at home, unsupervised, and using their personal devices. Methods Participants (N = 71; mean age: 66 years) completed sixteen WMT or active-control sessions over eight (distributed) or four (intensive) weeks. Adaptive verbal and spatial n-back tasks were used as the WMT tasks. We tested near transfer effects to a digit-span task and far transfer effects to an abstract relational reasoning task. Results Participants successfully performed the cognitively demanding intervention using their own devices, online at home, and with minimal contact with the researcher. We observed a significant improvement in WMT task performance in the WMT group relative to active-controls, but no evidence of near or far transfer. Similar training effects were observed irrespective of the intensity of the training schedule. Discussion Our results suggest that comparable benefits could be observed when using less intensive schedules that may be more easily accommodated into everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Booth
- Division of Psychology, Communication, and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura J. E. Brown
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Taylor
- Division of Psychology, Communication, and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Psychology, Communication, and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Gorana Pobric,
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Ripp I, Emch M, Wu Q, Lizarraga A, Udale R, von Bastian CC, Koch K, Yakushev I. Adaptive working memory training does not produce transfer effects in cognition and neuroimaging. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:512. [PMID: 36513642 PMCID: PMC9747798 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing interest in cognitive interventions from academia and industry, it remains unclear if working memory (WM) training, one of the most popular cognitive interventions, produces transfer effects. Transfer effects are training-induced gains in performance in untrained cognitive tasks, while practice effects are improvements in trained task. The goal of this study was to evaluate potential transfer effects by comprehensive cognitive testing and neuroimaging. In this prospective, randomized-controlled, and single-blind study, we administered an 8-week n-back training to 55 healthy middle-aged (50-64 years) participants. State-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging was used to examine potential anatomic and functional changes. Relative to control subjects, who performed non-adaptive WM training, no near or far transfer effects were detected in experimental subjects, who performed adaptive WM training. Equivalently, no training-related changes were observed in white matter integrity, amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, glucose metabolism, functional and metabolic connectivity. Exploratory within-group comparisons revealed some gains in transfer tasks, which, however, cannot be attributed to an increased WM capacity. In conclusion, WM training produces transfer effects neither at the cognitive level nor in terms of neural structure or function. These results speak against a common view that training-related gains reflect an increase in underlying WM capacity. Instead, the presently observed practice effects may be a result of optimized task processing strategies, which do not necessarily engage neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Ripp
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mónica Emch
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Qiong Wu
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Aldana Lizarraga
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Udale
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Kathrin Koch
- grid.6936.a0000000123222966TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Does bilingualism come with linguistic costs? A meta-analytic review of the bilingual lexical deficit. Psychon Bull Rev 2022:10.3758/s13423-022-02136-7. [DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02136-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA series of recent studies have shown that the once-assumed cognitive advantage of bilingualism finds little support in the evidence available to date. Surprisingly, however, the view that bilingualism incurs linguistic costs (the so-called lexical deficit) has not yet been subjected to the same degree of scrutiny, despite its centrality for our understanding of the human capacity for language. The current study implemented a comprehensive meta-analysis to address this gap. By analyzing 478 effect sizes from 130 studies on expressive vocabulary, we found that observed lexical deficits could not be attributed to bilingualism: Simultaneous bilinguals (who acquired both languages from birth) did not exhibit any lexical deficit, nor did sequential bilinguals (who acquired one language from birth and a second language after that) when tested in their mother tongue. Instead, systematic evidence for a lexical deficit was found among sequential bilinguals when tested in their second language, and more so for late than for early second language learners. This result suggests that a lexical deficit may be a phenomenon of second language acquisition rather than bilingualism per se.
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Unpacking placebo and working memory training effects on cognitive performance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2214268119. [PMID: 36197960 PMCID: PMC9586315 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214268119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Assecondi S, Hu R, Kroeker J, Eskes G, Shapiro K. Older adults with lower working memory capacity benefit from transcranial direct current stimulation when combined with working memory training: A preliminary study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1009262. [PMID: 36299611 PMCID: PMC9589058 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1009262] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a very diverse process: successful agers retain most cognitive functioning, while others experience mild to severe cognitive decline. This decline may eventually negatively impact one’s everyday activities. Therefore, scientists must develop approaches to counteract or, at least, slow down the negative change in cognitive performance of aging individuals. Combining cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising approach that capitalizes on the plasticity of brain networks. However, the efficacy of combined methods depends on individual characteristics, such as the cognitive and emotional state of the individual entering the training program. In this report, we explored the effectiveness of working memory training, combined with tDCS to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), to manipulate working memory performance in older individuals. We hypothesized that individuals with lower working memory capacity would benefit the most from the combined regimen. Thirty older adults took part in a 5-day combined regimen. Before and after the training, we evaluated participants’ working memory performance with five working memory tasks. We found that individual characteristics influenced the outcome of combined cognitive training and tDCS regimens, with the intervention selectively benefiting old-old adults with lower working memory capacity. Future work should consider developing individualized treatments by considering individual differences in cognitive profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Assecondi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences—CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health (CHBH), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Sara Assecondi, ,
| | - Rong Hu
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jacob Kroeker
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Gail Eskes
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kim Shapiro
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health (CHBH), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Esbrí SF, Tirado AS, Sanchis-Segura C, Forn C. Possible evidence of near transfer effects after adaptive working memory training in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 67:104182. [PMID: 36155966 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104182] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits, especially in working memory (WM) and information processing (IP) efficiency, are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Few studies have examined the efficacy of n-back training in improving these two cognitive functions in PwMS. In the present study, we examined the effects of an intensive n-back training program by measuring the gains on the trained task (2- and 3-back tasks), but we also studied possible near transfer effects to other tests that assess WM and IP, as well as far transfer effects or improvements in other cognitive functions. METHODS A sample consisting of 35 PwMS with different cognitive statuses. All the participants underwent an adaptive n-back training for 10 days (60 min/day), and they were neuropsychologically assessed at baseline (D1) and after training (D10). The effectiveness of the training was tested: (1) by using mean-based comparisons and Cohen's d values; (2) by estimating and comparing the quartile values of the D1 and D10 distributions. Two indexes of improvement in individual performance were calculated, the net score improvement index (NSI) and the percent of maximum possible individualized improvement (PMPI). RESULTS Repeat practice improves 2- and 3-back performance, showing more correct responses (CR) and lower reaction times (RT) on D10 compared to D1. These results were corroborated by the NSI and PMPI scores, but the gains after training were more statistically significant for the 3-back (observing higher CR and lower RT after training) than for the 2-back (observing gains in CR, but not in RT). We also observed a possible transference of this improvement on the n-back task to other WM/IPS tests. Specifically, statistically significant pre-post training differences were found in the values in three quartiles of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT; q25, p < 0.03; q50, p < 0.001; q75, p < 0.002) and of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT; q25, p < 0.03; q50, p < 0.001; q75, p < 0.001) as well as in two quartiles of the Letter-Number Sequencing Task (LNST; q50, p < 0.004; q75 p < 0.001), and in one quartile of the Digit Backwards Span Test (DSBT; q75, p < 0.001). Reliable change analyses confirmed these performance improvements on the PASAT, SDMT, and LNST. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that the intensive and adaptive n-back training produced improvements in the trained task in PwMS with different cognitive statuses. Furthermore, these gains were not only observed on the trained task, but they seemed to be also transferred to other tests that measured WM and IP functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Félix Esbrí
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Alba Sebastián Tirado
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Carla Sanchis-Segura
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain
| | - Cristina Forn
- Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de Ciències de la Salut, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n (Edifici d'investigació II), Castelló de la Plana 12006, Spain.
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Pahor A, Seitz AR, Jaeggi SM. Near transfer to an unrelated N-back task mediates the effect of N-back working memory training on matrix reasoning. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1243-1256. [PMID: 35726054 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The extent to which working memory training improves performance on untrained tasks is highly controversial. Here we address this controversy by testing the hypothesis that far transfer may depend on near transfer using mediation models in three separate randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In all three RCTs, totalling 460 individuals, performance on untrained N-back tasks (near transfer) mediated transfer to Matrix Reasoning (representing far transfer) despite the lack of an intervention effect in RCTs 2 and 3. Untrained N-back performance also mediated transfer to a working memory composite, which showed a significant intervention effect (RCT 3). These findings support a model of N-back training in which transfer to untrained N-back tasks gates further transfer (at least in the case of working memory at the construct level) and Matrix Reasoning. This model can help adjudicate between the many studies and meta-analyses of working memory training that have provided mixed results but have not examined the relationship between near and far transfer on an individual-differences level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pahor
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - Aaron R Seitz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Susanne M Jaeggi
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Phonological working memory is adversely affected in adults with anorexia nervosa: a systematic literature review. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1931-1952. [PMID: 35133643 PMCID: PMC9287223 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive restraint has potentiating and deleterious effects on working memory (WM) in anorexia nervosa (AN). Conflicting evidence may be due to heterogeneity of tasks examining different WM components (e.g., verbal/auditory versus visuospatial), and differences in adolescent versus adult AN. Additionally, differential cognitive profiles of restricting versus binge/purging subtypes, comorbid psychiatric disorders and psychotropic medication use may confound findings. METHODS To address these conflicts, 25 studies, published between 2016 and 2021, investigating WM in children, adolescents and adults with AN were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS In 71% of WM tasks, no difference in performance between AN patients and age-matched controls was reported, while 29% of WM tasks showed worse performance. Adults with AN displayed deficits in 44% of the verbal/auditory tasks, while performance remained unaffected in 86% of visuospatial tasks. CONCLUSION Examining age groups and WM subsystems separately revealed novel findings of differentially affected WM components in AN. Comorbidities and psychotropic medications were common among AN participants and should be regarded as critical confounding factors for WM measures. Future studies examining different components of WM, acknowledging these confounding factors, may reveal specific deficits in AN to aid treatment improvement strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I, systematic review.
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Draheim C, Pak R, Draheim AA, Engle RW. The role of attention control in complex real-world tasks. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 29:1143-1197. [PMID: 35167106 PMCID: PMC8853083 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-021-02052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Working memory capacity is an important psychological construct, and many real-world phenomena are strongly associated with individual differences in working memory functioning. Although working memory and attention are intertwined, several studies have recently shown that individual differences in the general ability to control attention is more strongly predictive of human behavior than working memory capacity. In this review, we argue that researchers would therefore generally be better suited to studying the role of attention control rather than memory-based abilities in explaining real-world behavior and performance in humans. The review begins with a discussion of relevant literature on the nature and measurement of both working memory capacity and attention control, including recent developments in the study of individual differences of attention control. We then selectively review existing literature on the role of both working memory and attention in various applied settings and explain, in each case, why a switch in emphasis to attention control is warranted. Topics covered include psychological testing, cognitive training, education, sports, police decision-making, human factors, and disorders within clinical psychology. The review concludes with general recommendations and best practices for researchers interested in conducting studies of individual differences in attention control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Draheim
- Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, USA.
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Richard Pak
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Amanda A Draheim
- Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, USA
| | - Randall W Engle
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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41
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Kask K, Pompedda F, Palu A, Schiff K, Mägi ML, Santtila P. Transfer of Avatar Training Effects to Investigative Field Interviews of Children Conducted by Police Officers. Front Psychol 2022; 13:753111. [PMID: 35874417 PMCID: PMC9298842 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.753111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research with students and some professional groups (psychologists) has demonstrated that repeated feedback in simulated investigative interviews with computerized child avatars improves the quality of interviews conducted with real children who have witnessed a mock event. However, it is not known whether this type of training would improve the quality of investigative interviews with actual child victims and witnesses of physical and sexual abuse. Twenty-two police investigators participated in the study. Half of them received feedback during four simulated interviews whereas the other half received no feedback during four such interviews followed by another four interviews after which they also received feedback. Transcripts of interviews both before and after the training were coded for interview quality. Receiving feedback after the simulated interviews increased the proportion of recommended questions both within the simulations and, importantly, also during interviewing with actual child victims and witnesses. This study demonstrated for the first time transfer of learning from simulated interviews to actual investigative interviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristjan Kask
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Francesco Pompedda
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
| | - Annegrete Palu
- Institute of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karolyn Schiff
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Pekka Santtila
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute for Social Development, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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42
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Zhou Y, Wu D, Wang C, Sun K, Xu P, Wang Z, Xiao W. The effect of working memory training on situation awareness in a flight simulator. COGNITION, TECHNOLOGY & WORK (ONLINE) 2022; 24:667-674. [PMID: 35813562 PMCID: PMC9252550 DOI: 10.1007/s10111-022-00707-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The close relationship between working memory and situation awareness (SA) has been confirmed and further empirical investigations are lacking. The main aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of working memory training for improving SA. Thirty-eight participants completed a challenging flight scenario in a high-fidelity flight simulator and were randomized into a training group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 18). The training group engaged in an adaptive dual N-back task for 2 weeks, while the control group was given a negative control task. Three-dimensional situation awareness rating technique (3D-SART) scores and situation awareness global assessment technique (SAGAT) scores were recorded to evaluate pretest and posttest SA. The results showed that both situational understanding dimension scores in the 3D-SART and SAGAT scores were significantly increased from the pretest to the posttest in the training group, while the control group showed no significant differences. It was concluded that working memory training can effectively improve individuals' SA, which has important implication for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Chaoxian Wang
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Kewei Sun
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Pengbo Xu
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Wei Xiao
- School of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, 710032 China
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43
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Brasser M, Frühholz S, Schneeberger AR, Ruschetti GG, Schaerli R, Häner M, Studer-Luethi B. A Randomized Controlled Trial Study of a Multimodal Intervention vs. Cognitive Training to Foster Cognitive and Affective Health in Older Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:866613. [PMID: 35795412 PMCID: PMC9251428 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.866613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Research over the past few decades has shown the positive influence that cognitive, social, and physical activities have on older adults’ cognitive and affective health. Especially interventions in health-related behaviors, such as cognitive activation, physical activity, social activity, nutrition, mindfulness, and creativity, have shown to be particularly beneficial. Whereas most intervention studies apply unimodal interventions, such as cognitive training (CT), this study investigates the potential to foster cognitive and affective health factors of older adults by means of an autonomy-supportive multimodal intervention (MMI). The intervention integrates everyday life recommendations for six evidence-based areas combined with psychoeducational information. This randomized controlled trial study compares the effects of a MMI and CT on those of a waiting control group (WCG) on cognitive and affective factors, everyday life memory performance, and activity in everyday life. Three groups, including a total of 119 adults aged 65–86 years, attended a 5- or 10-week intervention. Specifically, one group completed a 10-week MMI, the second group completed 5-week of computer-based CT followed by a 5-week MMI, whereas the third group paused before completing the MMI for the last 5 weeks. All participants completed online surveys and cognitive tests at three test points. The findings showed an increase in the number and variability of activities in the everyday lives of all participants. Post hoc analysis on cognitive performance of MMI to CT indicate similar (classic memory and attention) or better (working memory) effects. Furthermore, results on far transfer variables showed interesting trends in favor of the MMI, such as increased well-being and attitude toward the aging brain. Also, the MMI group showed the biggest perceived improvements out of all groups for all self-reported personal variables (memory in everyday life and stress). The results implicate a positive trend toward MMI on cognitive and affective factors of older adults. These tendencies show the potential of a multimodal approach compared to training a specific cognitive function. Moreover, the findings suggest that information about MMI motivates participants to increase activity variability and frequency in everyday life. Finally, the results could also have implications for the primary prevention of neurocognitive deficits and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Brasser
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Maria Brasser,
| | - Sascha Frühholz
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andres R. Schneeberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rahel Schaerli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Häner
- Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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44
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Jones JS, Adlam ALR, Benattayallah A, Milton FN. The neural correlates of working memory training in typically developing children. Child Dev 2022; 93:815-830. [PMID: 34897651 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Working memory training improves children's cognitive performance on untrained tasks; however, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. This was investigated in 32 typically developing children aged 10-14 years (19 girls and 13 boys) using a randomized controlled design and multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (Devon, UK; 2015-2016). Training improved working memory performance and increased intrinsic functional connectivity between the bilateral intraparietal sulci. Furthermore, improvements in working memory were associated with greater recruitment of the left middle frontal gyrus on a complex span task. Repeated engagement of fronto-parietal regions during training may increase their activity and functional connectivity over time, affording greater working memory performance. The plausibility of generalizable cognitive benefits from a neurobiological perspective and implications for neurodevelopmental theory are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Jones
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna-Lynne R Adlam
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Abdelmalek Benattayallah
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Fraser N Milton
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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45
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Audiffren M, André N, Baumeister RF. Training Willpower: Reducing Costs and Valuing Effort. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:699817. [PMID: 35573284 PMCID: PMC9095966 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.699817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrative model of effortful control presented in a previous article aimed to specify the neurophysiological bases of mental effort. This model assumes that effort reflects three different inter-related aspects of the same adaptive function. First, a mechanism anchored in the salience network that makes decisions about the effort that should be engaged in the current task in view of costs and benefits associated with the achievement of the task goal. Second, a top-down control signal generated by the mechanism of effort that modulates neuronal activity in brain regions involved in the current task to filter pertinent information. Third, a feeling that emerges in awareness during effortful tasks and reflects the costs associated with goal-directed behavior. The aim of the present article is to complete this model by proposing that the capacity to exert effortful control can be improved through training programs. Two main questions relative to this possible strengthening of willpower are addressed in this paper. The first question concerns the existence of empirical evidence that supports gains in effortful control capacity through training. We conducted a review of 63 meta-analyses that shows training programs are effective in improving performance in effortful tasks tapping executive functions and/or self-control with a small to large effect size. Moreover, physical and mindfulness exercises could be two promising training methods that would deserve to be included in training programs aiming to strengthen willpower. The second question concerns the neural mechanisms that could explain these gains in effortful control capacity. Two plausible brain mechanisms are proposed: (1) a decrease in effort costs combined with a greater efficiency of brain regions involved in the task and (2) an increase in the value of effort through operant conditioning in the context of high effort and high reward. The first mechanism supports the hypothesis of a strengthening of the capacity to exert effortful control whereas the second mechanism supports the hypothesis of an increase in the motivation to exert this control. In the last part of the article, we made several recommendations to improve the effectiveness of interventional studies aiming to train this adaptive function."Keep the faculty of effort alive in you by a little gratuitous exercise every day."James (1918, p. 127).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Audiffren
- Research Centre on Cognition and Learning, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nathalie André
- Research Centre on Cognition and Learning, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Roy F. Baumeister
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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46
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Studer-Luethi B, Toermaenen M, Margelisch K, Hogrefe AB, Perrig WJ. Effects of Working Memory Training on Children’s Memory and Academic Performance: the Role of Training Task Features and Trainee’s Characteristics. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-022-00242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Learning and academic performance are explained mainly by basic limited-capacity processes, most notably by working memory (WM). Consequently, training WM has been considered a promising approach to fostering these abilities. However, school-based investigations are rare. This study examined the effects of training task features and trainees’ characteristics on transfer to cognitive and academic measures. Eighty-six typically developing 8–12-year-old children completed 6 weeks of either WM training with n-back and complex span tasks or a control training with perceptual-matching tasks in a regular school setting. The study also assessed some personal variables of the children, such as neuroticism, conscientiousness, joy of learning, and power of endurance. The WM training group showed increased WM and math performance compared to the control group. Also, there was a trend toward some improvements in vocabulary after WM training, and overall improvements after both trainings were observed in fluid intelligence and reading. Analyses of individual differences in the WM training group indicated increased training performance in relation to emotional stability, conscientiousness, power of endurance, as well as teacher-reported joy of learning and social integration of participants. Thus, the results indicate the potential of WM training to improve WM capacity and mathematical skills and reveal the impact of regulative, motivational, and social factors on cognitive training performance.
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47
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Vartanian O, Replete V, Saint SA, Lam Q, Forbes S, Beaudoin ME, Brunyé TT, Bryant DJ, Feltman KA, Heaton KJ, McKinley RA, Van Erp JBF, Vergin A, Whittaker A. What Is Targeted When We Train Working Memory? Evidence From a Meta-Analysis of the Neural Correlates of Working Memory Training Using Activation Likelihood Estimation. Front Psychol 2022; 13:868001. [PMID: 35432071 PMCID: PMC9005969 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.868001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is the system responsible for maintaining and manipulating information, in the face of ongoing distraction. In turn, WM span is perceived to be an individual-differences construct reflecting the limited capacity of this system. Recently, however, there has been some evidence to suggest that WM capacity can increase through training, raising the possibility that training can functionally alter the neural structures supporting WM. To address the hypothesis that the neural substrates underlying WM are targeted by training, we conducted a meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of WM training using Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE). Our results demonstrate that WM training is associated exclusively with decreases in blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses in clusters within the fronto-parietal system that underlie WM, including the bilateral inferior parietal lobule (BA 39/40), middle (BA 9) and superior (BA 6) frontal gyri, and medial frontal gyrus bordering on the cingulate gyrus (BA 8/32). We discuss the various psychological and physiological mechanisms that could be responsible for the observed reductions in the BOLD signal in relation to WM training, and consider their implications for the construct of WM span as a limited resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Vartanian
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vladyslava Replete
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sidney Ann Saint
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Quan Lam
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Forbes
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Monique E. Beaudoin
- Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Tad T. Brunyé
- U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, Natick, MA, United States
| | - David J. Bryant
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn A. Feltman
- U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL, United States
| | - Kristin J. Heaton
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States
| | - Richard A. McKinley
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Jan B. F. Van Erp
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Soesterberg, Netherlands
- Department of Human Media Interaction, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Annika Vergin
- Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning, Federal Ministry of Defence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annalise Whittaker
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, UK Ministry of Defence, Salisbury, United Kingdom
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48
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Ripp I, Wu Q, Wallenwein L, Emch M, Yakushev I, Koch K. Neuronal efficiency following n-back training task is accompanied by a higher cerebral glucose metabolism. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119095. [PMID: 35304266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119095] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies revealed lower neural activation during processing of an n-back task following working memory training, indicating a training-related increase in neural efficiency. In the present study, we asked if the training induced regional neural activation is accompanied by changes in glucose consumption. An active control and an experimental group of healthy middle-aged volunteers conducted 32 sessions of visual and verbal n-back trainings over 8 weeks. We analyzed data of 52 subjects (25 experimental and 27 control group) for practice effects underlying verbal working memory task and 50 subjects (24 experimental and 26 control group) for practice effects underlying visual WM task. The samples of these two tasks were nearly identical (data of 47 subjects were available for both verbal and visual tasks). Both groups completed neuroimaging sessions at a hybrid PET/MR system before and after training. Each session included criterion task fMRI and resting state positron emission tomography with FDG (FDG-PET). As reported previously, lower neural activation following n-back training was found in regions of the fronto-parieto-cerebellar circuitry during a verbal n-back task. Notably, these changes co-occurred spatially with a higher relative FDG-uptake. Decreased neural activation within regions of the fronto-parietal network during visual n-back task did not show co-occurring changes in relative FDG-uptake. There was no direct association between neuroimaging and behavioral measures, which could be due to the inter-subjects' variability in reaching capacity limits. Our findings provide new details for working memory training induced neural efficiency on a molecular level by integrating FDG-PET and fMRI measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Ripp
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Institute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
| | - Lara Wallenwein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mónica Emch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, Munich 81675, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Martinsried, Germany
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49
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van Dijck JP, Fias W, Cipora K. Spatialization in working memory and its relation to math anxiety. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1512:192-202. [PMID: 35274298 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is one of the most important cognitive functions that may play a role in the relation between math anxiety (MA) and math performance. The processing efficiency theory proposes that rumination and worrisome thoughts (induced by MA) result in less available WM resources (which are needed to solve math problems). At the same time, high MA individuals have lower verbal and spatial WM capacity in general. Extending these findings, we found that MA is also linked to the spatial coding of serial order in verbal WM: subjects who organize sequences from left-to-right in verbal WM show lower levels of MA compared with those who do not spatialize. Furthermore, these spatial coders have higher verbal WM capacity, better numerical order judgment abilities, and higher math scores. These findings suggest that spatially structuring the verbal mind is a promising cognitive correlate of MA and opens new avenues for exploring causal links between elementary cognitive processes and MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe van Dijck
- Department of Applied Psychology, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Flanders, Belgium.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Fias
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Krzysztof Cipora
- Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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50
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The prioritisation of motivationally salient stimuli in hemi-spatial neglect may be underpinned by goal-relevance: a meta-analytic review. Cortex 2022; 150:85-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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