Effects of cognitive speed of processing training on a composite neuropsychological outcome: results at one-year from the IHAMS randomized controlled trial. (14th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolinsky, Fredric D.; Vander Weg, Mark W.; Howren, M. Bryant; Jones, Michael P.; Dotson, Megan M.
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 28:Number 2(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 330
• Publication Date: 2015-09-14
• Subjects: cognitive training, -- cognitive assessment, -- randomized controlled trial, -- geriatric medicine, -- health aging; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610215001428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Age-related cognitive decline is common and well-documented. Cognitive speed of processing training (SOPT) has been shown to improve trained abilities (Useful Field of View; UFOV), but transfer to individual non-trained cognitive outcomes or neuropsychological composites is sparse. We examine the effects of SOPT on a composite of six equally weighted tests – UFOV, Trail-making A and B, Symbol Digit Modality, Controlled Oral Word Association, Stroop Color and Word, and Digit Vigilance. Methods: 681 patients were randomized separately within two age-bands (50–64, ≥ 65) to three SOPT groups (10 initial hours on-site, 10 initial hours on-site plus 4 hours of boosters, or 10 initial hours at-home) or an attention-control group (10 initial hours on-site of crossword puzzles). At one-year, 587 patients (86.2%) had complete data. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used. Results: Factor analysis revealed a simple unidimensional structure with Cronbach's α of 0.82. The time effect was statistically significant ( p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.246), but the time by treatment group ( p = 0.331), time by age-band ( p = 0.463), and time by treatment group by age-band ( p = 0.564) effects were not. Conclusion: Compared to the attention-control group who played a computerized crossword puzzle game, assignment to 10–14 hours of SOPT did not significantly improve a composite measure of cognitive abilities.