The Efficacy of Neurofeedback to Improve Processing Speed, Attention and Memory in Childhood Brain Tumour Survivors: a Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 入组人数
- 105
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- Neurocognitive functioning
研究概览
简要总结
Introduction:
The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of neurofeedback (NFB) to improve attention, memory and processing speed in children treated for a Brain Tumour (BT). In the Netherlands every year approximately 100 children are diagnosed with a BT. Nowadays over 65% of these children have a 5-year survival. Treatment for a BT consists of neurosurgery and / or local or craniospinal radiation and / or adjuvant chemotherapy. Neurotoxicity caused by radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy (especially methotrexate) is a major cause of neurocognitive decline in Childhood Brain Tumour Survivors (CBTS).
Approach:
Studies have shown that NFB has the capacity to improve the brain systems mediating selective attention and response inhibition in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The effectiveness is reported as comparable to methylphenidate (Ritalin) without side effects of medication. CBTS exhibit symptoms comparable to those of children with ADHD and positive response to methylphenidate has been found in CBTS. However, NFB has not been used as an intervention in CBTS yet. The effectiveness of NFB in children treated for a BT will be investigated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group of 30 patients will receive approximately 30 sessions of NFB; the control group will receive 30 session of placebo neurofeedback. Neuropsychological tests will be used to evaluate pre- and post-NFB intervention as well as at a 6-month follow-up.
Relevance:
If NFB proofs to be effective for CBTS this will be a great improvement for their (neuro-) psychological functioning and quality of life, without the disadvantage of the side effects of medication. The implementation of this intervention might increase cognitive and social functioning and thus facilitate integration of these children in society during childhood and school carrier as well as in adult life.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 8 Years 至 18 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Being treated for a brain tumour before the age of 16 years
- •Age between 8-18 years at time of enrolment
- •Off treatment at least two years
- •Problems on attention, or memory or speed processing as reported by parents in screening test
- •Being able to speak and understand the Dutch language
排除标准
- •Premorbid AD/HD
- •Mental or physical condition that make the neuropsychological assessment impossible to finish
研究组 & 干预措施
Neurofeedback
Children in this group receive 30 sessions of neurofeedback
干预措施: Neurofeedback (Other)
Placebo feedback
The children in this group receive 30 sessions of placebo feedback, based on muscular tension.
干预措施: Placebo feedback (Other)
Siblings
The siblings will be tested 1 time, they will function as a healthy control group.
结局指标
主要结局
Neurocognitive functioning
时间窗: Before (T0) and after (T1) NFB training and 6 months follow up (T2)
次要结局
- psychosocial functioning(T0, T1 and T2)
研究者
Martha A. Grootenhuis
PhD
Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)