Functional Connectivity and Response Inhibition: A Secondary Analysis of an 8-Week Randomized Controlled Trial of Computerized Cognitive Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 1525-1537
Author(s):  
Lisanne F. Ten Brinke ◽  
Chun Liang Hsu ◽  
Kirk I. Erickson ◽  
Todd C. Handy ◽  
Teresa Liu-Ambrose
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Colour Word

Background: Evidence suggests that computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognitive function in older adults, particularly executive functions. However, the underlying mechanisms by which CCT may improve executive functions are not well established. Objective: To determine: 1) inter-network functional connectivity correlates of changes in executive functions; and 2) the effect of CCT on these functional connectivity correlates. Methods: This secondary analysis included a subset of 124 adults aged 65–85 years enrolled in an 8-week randomized controlled trial of CCT. Participants were randomized to either: 1) group-based CCT 3x/week for 1 hour plus 3x/week home-based training; 2) group-based CCT preceded by brisk walking (Ex+CCT) 3x/week for 1 hour plus 3x/week home-based training; or 3) group-based balanced and toned (BAT) classes 3x/week for 1 hour (control). At baseline and trial completion, 65 of the 124 participants completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests of executive functions, specifically the Stroop Colour-Word Test and Flanker Test. Results: Improved performance on the Stroop Colour-Word Test and Flanker Test were associated with decreased correlation between the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto-parietal network (FPN) (p < 0.05). Compared with BAT, CCT alone significantly decreased correlation between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and both the left and right medial temporal gyrus (–0.143, 95%CI [–0.256,–0.030], p = 0.014, and –0.123, 95%CI [–0.242,–0.004], p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusion: Decreased correlation between DMN and FPN, indicating less connection between these networks, may be an underlying mechanism by which CCT improves executive functions. Future studies are needed to replicate this finding.

scholarly journals The effects of a physical and cognitive training intervention vs. physical training alone on older adults’ physical activity: A randomized controlled trial with extended follow-up during COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258559
Author(s):  
Tiina Savikangas ◽  
Timo Törmäkangas ◽  
Anna Tirkkonen ◽  
Markku Alen ◽  
Roger A. Fielding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background Executive functions underlie self-regulation and are thus important for physical activity and adaptation to new situations. The aim was to investigate, if yearlong physical and cognitive training (PTCT) had greater effects on physical activity among older adults than physical training (PT) alone, and if executive functions predicted physical activity at baseline, after six (6m) and twelve months (12m) of the interventions, one-year post-intervention follow-up and an extended follow-up during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Data from a single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (PASSWORD-study, ISRCTN52388040) were utilized. Participants were 70–85 years old community-dwelling men and women from Jyväskylä, Finland. PT (n = 159) included supervised resistance, walking and balance training, home-exercises and self-administered moderate activity. PTCT (n = 155) included PT and cognitive training targeting executive functions on a computer program. Physical activity was assessed with a one-item, seven-scale question. Executive functions were assessed with color-word Stroop, Trail Making Test (TMT) B-A and Letter Fluency. Changes in physical activity were modeled with multinomial logistic models and the impact of executive functions on physical activity with latent change score models. Results No significant group-by-time interaction was observed for physical activity (p>0.1). The subjects were likely to select an activity category higher than baseline throughout the study (pooled data: B = 0.720–1.614, p<0.001–0.046). Higher baseline Stroop predicted higher physical activity through all subsequent time-points (pooled data: B = 0.011–0.013, p = 0.015–0.030). Higher baseline TMT B–A predicted higher physical activity at 6m (pooled data: B = 0.007, p = 0.006) and during COVID-19 (B = 0.005, p = 0.030). In the PT group, higher baseline Letter Fluency predicted higher physical activity at 12m (B = -0.028, p = 0.030) and follow-up (B = -0.042, p = 0.002). Conclusions Cognitive training did not have additive effects over physical training alone on physical activity, but multicomponent training and higher executive function at baseline may support adaptation to and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle among older adults.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Custom-Developed Computer Game to Improve Executive Functioning in 4- to 6-Year-Old Children Exposed to Alcohol in Utero: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/14489 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e14489
Author(s):  
Jacobus Gidion Louw ◽  
Leana Olivier ◽  
Sarah Skeen ◽  
Alastair van Heerden ◽  
Mark Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
South African ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
South African Context ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Resource Poor ◽  
African Context

Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common causes of preventable intellectual disability, and the key associated deficits are in executive function (EF). Aspects of EF can be improved using cognitive training interventions. The highest prevalence of FASD globally (at a rate of 135.1 per 1000) has been found in a South African population in the Western Cape province. There is a shortage of specialized health service personnel, and there are limited remedial services. Computer-based cognitive training, if age and culturally appropriate, could be an effective way to provide the interventions with minimal need for skilled personnel and other resources. The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research has developed such a program for the South African context. Objective This protocol aimed to evaluate whether it is feasible to use computerized cognitive training in a resource-poor context to improve cognitive function in children exposed to alcohol in utero. Methods We are conducting a randomized controlled trial in the Saldanha Bay Municipal area, evaluating a custom-developed cognitive training program to improve the cognitive function of children aged between 4 and 6 years who were exposed to alcohol in the prenatal stage. Participants will be recruited from local Early Childhood Development centers. Community workers will interview biological mothers to identify alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Alcohol-exposed children will be randomized into an intervention or a control group of 40 participants each using block randomization. A group of 40 children not exposed to alcohol will be included in a normative group using individual randomization. The intervention group will play the game for 6 months (40 sessions). Normative and control groups will receive no intervention. Neurodevelopmental assessments will be done at baseline and upon completion of the study with all participants. Results The intervention has started, and all baseline assessments have been done at the time of submission. Conclusions This study will provide insight into whether computerized cognitive training is viable and effective in the South African context. It has the potential to provide a means of intervention globally and in other resource-poor context and expand the knowledge base regarding executive functioning and FASD. This paper presents the research protocol and intervention design of the study. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN17244156; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17244156. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14489

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