Efficacy of the MovinCog Intervention in Children
- Conditions
- Learning DisabilitiesLearning DisordersCognitive Change
- Interventions
- Behavioral: ExerciseBehavioral: CognitiveBehavioral: Active control
- Registration Number
- NCT03255499
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Brief Summary
This study aims to test the efficacy of the MovinCog Intervention to enhance cognitive abilities in children 7-15 yrs. The intervention consists of two parts: a physical exercise regimen, based on high-intensity training, and a cognitive training component. The design will contrast the intervention with an active control group, matched for expectancy effects.
- Detailed Description
Specifically, the investigators will compare both components together (exercise and cognitive training) against either one of the components (exercise alone, or cognitive training alone) and against an active control group. The study will include measures of scholastic aptitude, as well as of working memory and cognitive control (primary outcome measures), two cognitive abilities that are critical to daily life activities, and that respond well to training. In addition, the investigators will measure physiological responses to training, to monitor changes associated with exercise (secondary outcome measures). Finally, the investigators will relate training-specific improvements with transfer gains, to better model the interaction between training and transfer. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics associated with the intervention.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- UNKNOWN
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 1000
- Age 7-15
- Age outside inclusion criteria
- History of seizures, brain trauma
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Exercise Exercise High-intensity training regimen, 10min/day. Developed for the MovinCog intervention. Cognitive training Cognitive Computerized cognitive training, 20min/day. Developed for the MovinCog intervention. Games Active control The active control is composed of a blend of board games, computer games, and trivia quizzes. Specific content is personalized based on individual preferences, so as to reflect the flexibility of the experimental arms. Exercise and cognitive training Exercise This intervention includes a combination of high-intensity exercise (10min/day) and computerized cognitive training (20min/day). The software for the latter has been developed by our group, and includes 8 mini-games targeting different cognitive abilities. Both are developed for the MovinCog intervention. The intervention is personalized, based on individual performance. Exercise and cognitive training Cognitive This intervention includes a combination of high-intensity exercise (10min/day) and computerized cognitive training (20min/day). The software for the latter has been developed by our group, and includes 8 mini-games targeting different cognitive abilities. Both are developed for the MovinCog intervention. The intervention is personalized, based on individual performance.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change from baseline working memory capacity at 10 weeks Baseline and 10-week posttest Constructs measured by multiple tasks (bds, corsi, n-back)
Change from baseline cognitive control at 10 weeks Baseline and 10-week posttest Constructs measured by multiple tasks (flanker, go/no-go, stroop)
Change from baseline scholastic aptitude at 10 weeks Baseline and 10-week posttest Constructs measured by multiple national (New Zealand), standardized tests
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method BDNF polymorphism measured by genetic saliva kit Baseline Effect of BDNF polymorphism on primary outcomes
Change from baseline resting heart rate at 10 weeks Baseline and 10-week posttest Measured by monitor
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University of Auckland
🇳🇿Auckland, New Zealand