Characterizing the Synergistic Effects of Physical and Cognitive Training on Attention and Working Memory

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: The primary goal of this project is to evidence potential synergistic benefits on cognitive control processes using a video game ("Body-Brain Trainer", or BBT) that integrates cognitive and physical challenges in a complimentary fashion. Healthy adults will be recruited for a longitudinal experiment and randomly assigned to one of four study groups to mechanistically tease apart the possible presence of any synergistic effects on cognitive abilities through the combination of cognitive \& physical challenges.

Detailed Description: Cognitive control functions (e.g. attention, working memory, goal-management) dictate our ability to learn and accomplish selected behavioral goals, with deficiencies in these processes found in a range of mental illnesses. The primary goal of this project is to evidence potential synergistic benefits on cognitive control processes using a video game ("Body-Brain Trainer", or BBT) that integrates cognitive and physical challenges in a complimentary fashion. Healthy adults will be recruited for a longitudinal experiment and randomly assigned to one of four study groups: 1) BBT, 2) "Brain Training" (BBT played with a gamepad controller), 3) "Body Training" (BBT without any cognitive demands), and 4) an expectancy matched placebo control group. Individuals will engage in eight weeks of training within our Neuroscape Laboratory, with pre- and post-training assessments evaluating physical, cognitive, and neural measures. The completion of this project will result in a more sophisticated understanding of how the integration of cognitive and physical training potentially impacts cognitive control processes, setting the stage for more effective interventions for mental illness and learning-related impairments.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

cardiac problems
bypass surgery
pacemaker or heart valve replacement
stroke
respiratory conditions
head trauma with loss of consciousness for less than a few minutes
severe head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than a few minutes
high/low blood pressure
kidney failure
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
seizures
implanted electrodes
cancer/chemotherapy/radiation
diabetes
irritable bowel syndrome
back problems
claustrophobia
Having been diagnosed with a psychiatric or neurological disorder
Use of an assistive device (e.g., cane or walker) at any time to assist with ambulation
Joint problems causing significant pain upon movement
Heart Disease or Cardiovascular Disease
Respiratory Disease (Lung Disease)

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
mCPT (Derived From Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.))	At baseline and following the intervention (these data were collected no more than 1 week after intervention period ended, thus approximately 9 weeks after baseline data were collected)	A change from baseline regarding measurement of sustained attention and impulsivity abilities

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Delayed Recognition Working Memory Task: Response Time Variability Prior to and 9-weeks After Baseline	At baseline and following the intervention (these data were collected no more than 1 week after intervention period ended, thus approximately 9 weeks after baseline data were collected)	A change from baseline regarding measurement of working memory abilities in the presence of interference. This task involved memorizing a face for set amount of time, followed by a delay period (during which participants were exposed to different types of distracting images), followed by the presentation of an image that participants are cued to respond whether or not this image matches the initial one presented. Here we examined a version of response time variance derived from exGaussain Statistics called tau, that is a measure of response time variance that considers the tails on a Gaussian distribution with respect to response time variability. This analysis allows one to see how variant one's performance could be on trials that fall outside of their mean performance distribution.