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Using Teleneuropsychology to Optimize Cognition in Healthy Aging: the Web-based Breakfast Game

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy Aging
Interventions
Behavioral: Web-based training strategy
Behavioral: Web-based regular training (no strategy)
Registration Number
NCT05506852
Lead Sponsor
Columbia University
Brief Summary

Executive control processes involve initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control processes will improve cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults.

Detailed Description

The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a web-based training protocol designed to enhance executive control / multi-tasking abilities will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into two experimental groups: 1) Web-based game with training strategy; 2) Web-based game without training strategy (Active Control). All participants (groups 1 and 2) will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand online game, Breakfast Game, for 14 one-hour sessions over 5 weeks.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
38
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 60-75
  • Willingness to adhere to training protocol
  • Adequate English proficiency
Exclusion Criteria
  • Low test scores (below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
  • Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance.
  • Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance.
  • Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
  • Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Strategy TrainingWeb-based training strategyParticipants will play the Breakfast Game with training strategy.
Regular ApproachWeb-based regular training (no strategy)Participants will play the Breakfast Game without training strategy.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in the Breakfast Game performance: Cooking time Range of Stop Times scores.Training session 2, week 2; training 13, approximately 6 weeks.

Change in cooking time (milliseconds) between food items. In the computerized task, participants are asked to cook different food types. Scores reflect is the difference between the first and last food item stopped cooking. Lowers scores (closest to zero) represent a better outcome.

Transfer to complex executive/attention control measure (Proximal outcome).Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Accuracy on Alphanumeric Task

Changes in the Breakfast Game performance: Number of Tables Set ScoreTraining session 2, week 2; training 13, approximately 6 weeks.

Change in the total number of tables set. In the computerized task, participants are asked to set tables for four guests, when finished, one point is given. Higher scores represent a better outcome.

Change in Breakfast Game performance: Cooking Time Discrepancy scoresTraining session 2, week 2; training 13, approximately 6 weeks.

Change in cooking time (milliseconds) in each food type. In the computerized task, participants are asked to cook different food types. Scores reflect the average absolute values of the difference between the required and actual cooking time of each item. Lowers scores (closest to zero) represent a better outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Transfer to Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Score on a scale reflecting frequency/difficulties on complex daily life activities. Total score ranges between 0 and 100, with a higher score indicating more cognitive difficulties in every daylife.

Transfer to executive functions composite measure (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Average z-score computed with tests involving working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility (Letter-Number, Wisconsin, and Stroop)

Transfer to Cognition-Leisure Questionnaire (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Score on a scale reflecting engagement/frequency in leisure \& cognitive activities.

Transfer to divided attention / speed measure (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Accuracy and reaction time on the Useful Field of View.

Transfer to the General Self-efficacy Scale (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Scores on a scale that measures perception about self-efficacy. Total score ranges between 10 and 40, with a higher score indicating more self-efficacy.

Transfer to episodic memory/learning measure (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Accuracy and reaction time on list learning test.

Transfer to Beck Depression Inventory (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Score on a scale that measures depression symptoms. Total score ranges between 0 and 63, with a higher score indicating more depression symptoms.

Transfer to Beck Anxiety Inventory (Distal outcome)Within the 2 weeks before intervention starts; and 6th week, after the last (13th) training session.

Score on a scale that measures anxiety symptoms. Total score ranges between 0 and 63, with a higher score indicating more anxiety symptoms.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

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