Neural change following different memory training approaches in very preterm born children – A pilot study. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Everts, Regula; Mürner-Lavanchy, Ines; Schroth, Gerhard; Steinlin, Maja
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 20:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Children born very preterm -- memory -- neural change -- percent signal change -- strategy training -- working memory; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1027010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : There is mixed evidence regarding neural change following cognitive training. Brain activation increase, decrease, or a combination of both may occur. We investigated training-induced neural change using two different memory training approaches. Methods : Very preterm born children (aged 7–12 years) were randomly allocated to a memory strategy training, an intensive working memory practice or a waiting control group. Before and immediately after the trainings and the waiting period, brain activation during a visual working memory task was measured using fMRI and cognitive performance was assessed. Results : Following both memory trainings, there was a significant decrease of fronto-parietal brain activation and a significant increase of memory performance. In the control group, no neural or performance change occurred after the waiting period. Conclusion : These pilot data point towards a training-related decrease of brain activation, independent of the training approach. Our data highlight the high training-induced plasticity of the child's brain during development.