Computer-based Intervention Research Articles

Effectiveness of occupational therapy-led computer-aided interventions on function among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Upper extremity injuries are common, and often treated by occupational therapists. The need to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions to guide practice is pertinent. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy-led computer-aided interventions among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. A systematic literature search of five databases was undertaken for randomized studies examining occupational therapy-led computer-aided interventions for the treatment of hand, wrist, and forearm conditions. The primary outcome was function, with secondary outcomes of pain, grip and pinch strength. The quality of the included studies was independently assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias V2 tool. Meta-analyses were completed. Three randomized controlled trials were included with 176 participants. One study reported on app use on a tablet and two studies reported on computer gaming. Participants had a variety of hand and wrist diagnoses, treated both conservatively and operatively. There is limited evidence demonstrating that computer-based interventions are as effective as other occupational therapy-led interventions in improving function, pain, grip and pinch strength post-intervention, including small effect size following meta-analysis: grip strength (Fixed Effects Model, SMD 0.13, 95% CI 2.63; -2.36, I2 = 0%) and pinch strength (Fixed Effects Model, SMD -0.12, 95% CI 1.25; -1.50, I2 = 11%). Limited evidence was found to support the use of computer-aided interventions for adults with a hand, wrist or forearm injury. Further high-quality research is recommended inclusive of a broader range of technologies and a broader range of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures.

Ceramic art experience on the psychological guidance of children with autism

BackgroundLack of basic perception of interpersonal relationships and social skills is considered the core symptom of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. In this regard, it is generally advocated to provide non-drug compensatory and alternative therapies, including group intervention, video shaping, social storytelling, social problem solving, critical response training, script and cue protocols, and computer-based interventions. Among them, ceramic art experiential therapy is receiving increasing attention due to its fun and compatibility with children’s physical and mental characteristics.Subjects and MethodsThis study focused on 58 children with autism spectrum disorders, who were divided into two groups. A control group of 28 people received routine group intervention therapy. The experimental group consists of 30 people, who underwent group intervention therapy combined with ceramic art experience. Diagnosis was conducted using the Parent and Student Forms of the Social Skill Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS) in the experiment.ResultsThe experimental results show that the control group is more prone to problems of excessive activity and lack of attention in the child self-evaluation problem behavior subscale than the experimental group children.ConclusionsAs a new treatment method, ceramic art experiential therapy is increasingly receiving more attention. This study shows that ceramic art experience has a positive psychological guidance for children with autism, which can increase their expression, communication skills, and desire for interaction.

Preventing cognitive decline via digital inclusion and virtual game management: an intervention study with older adults in the community

Objective To evaluate the impact of cognitive stimulation via digital inclusion and the practice of video games on the cognition of the older population. Method This is a randomized controlled intervention study, nested in a population cohort study. Based on the application of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) test, individuals aged 60 years or older with scores 0 and 0.5 were included and randomly allocated in the Intervention Group (IG) or Control Group (CG). Initially, 160 participants met the selection criteria and underwent neuropsychological evaluation via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), applied before and after intervention. The IG (n = 62) participated in computer-based intervention once a week for one-and-a-half hours, for 4 months. The CG (n = 47) participated in the mindfulness workshops held in the same period. Results The digital literacy intervention group averaged 2.6 points more in the MoCA after 4 months. The change in the final MoCA decreased in 0.46 points at each unit in the basal MoCA. Individuals with average schooling had an increase of 0.93 points in the change of the MoCA in relation to individuals with low or high schooling. Conclusion Digital inclusion combined with the practice of video games has the potential to improve the cognition of the older population.

Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation on the Cognitive Bias of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from war have more severe symptoms when combined with other chronic disorders, worsening their condition. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation on the cognitive bias of veterans with PTSD. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest, posttest, follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population included all the veterans under the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs coverage of Ahvaz, Iran, in 2021. After the necessary examinations, 45 eligible participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (15 participants per group) after the necessary coordination. The experimental groups separately received EMDR therapy and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation, whereas the control group received no intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS-24 was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that compared to the control group, EMDR and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions significantly influenced the cognitive bias of veterans with PTSD (P < 0.001). Moreover, cognitive bias scores from the posttest and follow-up significantly differed from those from the pretest (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Since EMDR and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation improved cognitive bias in veterans with PTSD, these methods are recommended for improving their psychological characteristics.

Efficacy of a novel safety behavior elimination intervention for posttraumatic stress symptoms: Results from a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIndividuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) use a variety of safety behaviors: strategies intended to prevent, avoid, or manage distress in anxiety-provoking situations. However, when used in the absence of threat, safety behaviors maintain PTSS by preventing collection of disconfirming evidence about potential danger. Thus, individuals with PTSS may benefit from eliminating their maladaptive safety behavior use. MethodsThe current study evaluated a brief, computer-based safety behavior reduction intervention, Safety Behavior Elimination for Traumatic Stress (SBETS). Seventy-five participants were recruited based on trauma exposure and elevated PTSS. Participants were randomly assigned to the SBETS condition or a physical health control. In the intervention, participants selected two behaviors to reduce or eliminate over the coming month. Participants were given reminders to reduce those behaviors twice a week, and treatment outcomes were assessed at two weeks and one month following the intervention. ResultsHierarchical regressions demonstrated that while participants in the two conditions did not differ in their reported safety behavior use at follow-up, individuals in the SBETS condition reported significantly lower month 1 PTSS (Cohen's d = 0.56). While week 2 safety behavior use and week 2 negative affect did not mediate the relationship between treatment condition and month 1 PTSS, this relationship was fully mediated by week 2 use of the two behaviors selected for elimination. LimitationsThe current study was limited by its homogenous sample and brief follow-up period. ConclusionsResults suggest that SBETS has a significant effect on PTSS, and may represent an acceptable, accessible treatment option for trauma survivors.

Mental Health Ingenuities and the Role of Computer Technology on Employees' Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Upholding and protecting sustainable competitive advantages is crucial to achieving firms'/enterprises' goals in today's overburdened, erratic, and fast-paced global work environment. Business stakeholders place a high value on actions that help employees achieve their own goals as well as those of the company in the modern, thriving business/work ecosystem. The general objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mental health ingenuities, computer technology and employee mental health. The specific objectives to examine the relationship between counselling, computer technology, and the mental health of employees, to determine the relationship between mental health promotion, computer technology and the mental health of employees as well as to assess the relationship between stress management, computer technology, and mental health of employees and to assess the relationship between work-life balance, computer technology, and mental health of employees. The anchor theory of the study was the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model with a focus on computer application in the management of mental health initiatives at the workplace. The study employed a systematic review of the literature. The findings from the systematic review depicted that internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions have shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among employees, indicating their potential as a form of computer-based counselling. In addition, Web-based psychotherapy interventions have been effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among employees who have experienced trauma. Moreover, it was found that Internet and computer-based self-help interventions have demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing depressive symptoms and improving coping skills among employees. Computer-based counselling, delivered through mobile apps or internet-based platforms, has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes, including reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among employees. It was recommended that HR managers should raise awareness among employees about the availability and benefits of work-stress management apps. They can conduct informational sessions, share success stories, and provide resources to educate employees about the app's features and how it can help in stress management. Organizations should also provide a range of technological resources, such as meditation or relaxation apps, stress-tracking apps, virtual wellness programs, or online counselling platforms. By offering a diverse selection, employees can choose the tools that resonate best with their personal preferences and needs.

Computerized music-based intervention module for auditory processing and working memory in older adults

IntroductionThe contribution of technology to the field of health is vast, both in diagnosis and management. More so, the use of computer-based intervention has become increasingly widespread over the past decade. Human beings experience a decline in auditory processing and cognitive skills as they age, consistent with deterioration of other bodily functions. In addition, speech perception abilities in both quiet and in the presence of noise are impacted by auditory processing abilities and cognitive skills such as working memory. This pilot study explored the use of music as an intervention for improving these skills and employed a computerized delivery of the intervention module.MethodA battery of tests was carried out to assess the baseline auditory processing and working memory skills in eight older adults between the ages of 56 and 79 years, all of whom had normal hearing. Following the assessment, a short-term computerized music-based intervention was administered. The style of music chosen was Carnatic classical music, a genre widely practiced in Southern India. The intervention module involved note and tempo discrimination and was carried out for a maximum of 10 half-hour sessions. The multi-level intervention module was constructed and administered using Apex software. Following the intervention, the auditory processing and cognitive skills of the participants were reassessed to study any changes in their auditory processing and working memory skills.Results and discussionThere were positive changes observed in all the auditory processing and some of the working memory abilities. This paper discusses in detail the systematic structuring of the computerized music-based intervention module and its effects on the auditory processing and cognitive skills in older adults.

Computer-based intervention for residents of domestic violence shelters with substance use: A randomized pilot study.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem often associated with serious mental health and physical health implications. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most common comorbidities among women with IPV, increasing risk of subsequent IPV. The current study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a brief computerized intervention to reduce alcohol and drug use among women with IPV. Fifty women with recent IPV and alcohol and drug use risk were recruited from domestic violence shelters and randomized to the experimental computerized intervention or to an attention and time control condition. The primary outcome was percent heavy drinking or drug using days in 3 month increments over the 6 months after leaving the shelter. Receipt of substance use services and IPV severity were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The computerized intervention was feasible and acceptable, with high (n = 20, 80%) completion rates, engagement with the intervention, and satisfaction scores. As expected in this pilot trial, there were no significant differences between conditions in percent heavy drinking/drug using days or receipt of substance use services and large individual differences in outcomes. For example, receipt of substance use services decreased by a mean of 0.05 times/day from the baseline to the 6-month time period in the control condition (range -1.00 to +0.55) and increased by a mean of 0.06 times/day in the intervention condition (range -0.13 to +0.89). There were large decreases in IPV severity over time in both conditions, but directions of differences favored the control condition for IPV severity. A computerized intervention to reduce the risk of alcohol/drug use and subsequent IPV is feasible and acceptable among residents of a domestic violence shelter. A fully powered trial is needed to conclusively evaluate outcomes.

Comparison of Effects of Computer-Based Instructional Support on Academic Achievement of University Students Regarding Meiosis

This study aimed to compare the effects of computer-based lessons versus traditional lessons on achievement of university students regarding meiotic cell division. A pretest-intervention-posttest design was used. To determine the effect of our computer-based intervention, we established a control group. In total, 100 second-year university students from a science education department (50 in the experimental group, 50 in the control group) participated in the study. Data were derived from a meiosis content test and interviews. The results showed the computer-based lesson had significant positive effects on student learning.

Can computerized cognitive training enhance executive functions in healthy young adults? A preliminary study

Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a computer-based intervention that targets cognitive functioning that has become increasingly popular in the recent decade. We examined the effectiveness of RehaCom as a standard computerized cognitive training on the executive functions of healthy adults in this preliminary study. The study was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest experimental design without a control group. The participants included 10 healthy adults. The participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift (IED), and Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) computerized tasks. The subjects trained by RehaCom software for 45 minutes per day, one day per week, for a total of four sessions over one month. Data were analyzed in the SPSS software (version 26) using the paired t-test test. Results show significant enhancement in participants’ central executive functioning (p < 0.01), shifting (p<0.05), and planning (p<0.05). A computerized cognitive training program can improve cognitive functions of healthy adults.

Multimodal job interview simulator for training of autistic individuals

ABSTRACT Autistic individuals face difficulties in finding and maintaining employment, and studies have shown that the job interview is often a significant barrier to obtaining employment. Prior computer-based job interview training interventions for autistic individuals have been associated with better interview outcomes. These previous interventions, however, do not leverage the use of multimodal data that could give insight into the emotional underpinnings of autistic individuals’ challenges in job interviews. In this article, the authors present the design of a novel multimodal job interview training platform called CIRVR that simulates job interviews through spoken interaction and collects eye gaze, facial expressions, and physiological responses of the participants to understand their stress response and their affective state. Results from a feasibility study with 23 autistic participants who interacted with CIRVR are presented. In addition, qualitative feedback was gathered from stakeholders on visualizations of data on CIRVR’s visualization tool called the Dashboard. The data gathered indicate the potential of CIRVR along with the Dashboard to be used in the creation of individualized job interview training of autistic individuals.

Effectiveness of computer-based interventions for community-dwelling people with cognitive decline: a systematic review with meta-analyses

BackgroundCognitive deficits arise with age and can increase the risk for subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may result in dementia, leading to health problems, care dependency and institutionalization. Computer-based cognitive interventions (CCIs) have the potential to act as important counteraction functions in preserving or improving cognition concomitant to available pharmacological treatment. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of CCIs performed individually with a personal or tablet computer, game console, virtual, augmented, or mixed reality application on cognition in community-dwelling people with SCD, MCI and dementia.MethodsA systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. The systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO. In addition, a search for gray literature and backward citation searching were carried out. To judge on the evidence, two reviewers independently used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The standardized mean difference (SDM) for pooling comparable studies using the random-effects model was applied.ResultsTwenty-four RCTs were identified, of which 1 RCT examined CCIs in individuals with SCD, 18 RCTs with MCI, and 6 RCTs with dementia. Most interventions were conducted with personal computers. Meta-analyses with 12 RCTs showed significant effects of computer-based cognitive interventions for people with MCI in the domains memory, working memory, attention/concentration/processing speed and executive functioning, but no significant improvements in global cognition and language. Regarding dementia a meta-analysis pooled with 4 RCTs demonstrated a tendency towards, but no significant increase of memory functions (SMD 0.33, CI 95% [-0.10, 0.77]). One RCT regarding SCD reported significant improvements in memory functions for participants conducting a cognitive training on a personal computer.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that CCIs have beneficial effects on domain-specific cognition in people with MCI but no significant effects on people with dementia. In terms of SCD, one study showed significant improvements in memory functions. It seems that the beneficial effect for cognitive preservation or improvement due to CCIs occurs at the earliest intervention state. However, more research on SCD is needed.Trial registrationPROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CDR42020184069.

Evaluating the long-term (Three Year) durability of brief interventions targeting risk factors for psychopathology

Despite their brevity, prior work indicates that computer-based interventions can substantially impact risk factors for psychopathology including anxiety sensitivity (AS), thwarted belongingness (TB), and perceived burdensomeness (PB). However, very few studies have assessed the long-term (> 1 year) effects of these interventions. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate post-hoc, the long-term (3 year) durability of brief interventions targeting risk factors for anxiety and mood psychopathology using data from a pre-registered randomized clinical trial. Moreover, we were interested in evaluating whether mitigation in these risk factors mediated long-term symptom change. A sample determined to be at-risk for anxiety and mood pathology based on elevations on several risk factors (N = 303) was randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions focused on: (1) reducing TB and PB; (2) reducing AS, (3) reducing TB,PB, and AS; or (4) a repeated contact control condition. Participants were assessed at post-intervention, one, three, six, 12, and 36 month follow-ups. Participants in the active treatment conditions showed sustained reductions in AS and PB through long-term follow-up. Mediation analyses suggested that reductions in AS mediated long-term reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. These findings suggest that brief and scalable risk reduction protocols have long-term durability and efficacy both in terms of reducing risk factors for psychopathology.

Who benefits from online art viewing, and how: The role of pleasure, meaningfulness, and trait aesthetic responsiveness in computer-based art interventions for well-being

When experienced in-person, engagement with art has been associated with positive outcomes in well-being and mental health. However, especially in the last decade, art viewing, cultural engagement, and even ‘trips’ to museums have begun to take place online, via computers, smartphones, tablets, or in virtual reality. Similarly, to what has been reported for in-person visits, online art engagements—easily accessible from personal devices—have also been associated to well-being impacts. However, a broader understanding of for whom and how online-delivered art might have well-being impacts is still lacking. In the present study, we used a Monet interactive art exhibition from Google Arts and Culture to deepen our understanding of the role of pleasure, meaning, and individual differences in the responsiveness to art. Beyond replicating the previous group-level effects, we confirmed our pre-registered hypothesis that trait-level inter-individual differences in aesthetic responsiveness predict some of the benefits that online art viewing has on well-being and further that such inter-individual differences at the trait level were mediated by subjective experiences of pleasure and especially meaningfulness felt during the online-art intervention. The role that participants' experiences play as a possible mechanism during art interventions is discussed in light of recent theoretical models.

Adding Mobile Elements to Online Physical Activity Interventions for Adults Aged Over 50 Years: Prototype Development Study.

Only a minority of adults aged over 50 years meet physical activity (PA) guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). eHealth interventions are proven effective tools to help this population increase its PA levels in the short term, among which the Active Plus and I Move interventions have been developed by our own research group. To achieve long-term effects, increase intervention use, and decrease dropout rates, 3 emergent but different mobile elements (an activity tracker, an ecological momentary intervention [EMI] program, and a chatbot) were added separately to Active Plus and I Move. In this study, the prototype development and pilot-testing of these interventions is described. This study aims to enhance 2 existing PA-stimulating computer-based interventions with 3 mobile elements (an activity tracker, an EMI program, or a chatbot) and test the prototypes on usability and appreciation within a target population of adults aged over 50 years. A systematic design protocol consisting of development, evaluation, and adaptation procedures was followed with involvement of the target population. Literature searches separated per mobile element and interviews with the target population (N=11) led to 6 prototypes: Active Plus or I Move including (1) an activity tracker, (2) EMI, or (3) a chatbot. These prototypes were tested on usability and appreciation during pilot tests (N=47) and subsequently fine-tuned based on the results. The literature searches and interviews provided important recommendations on the preferences of the target population, which enabled us to develop prototypes. The subsequent pilot tests showed that the mobile elements scored moderate to good on usability, with average System Usability Scale (SUS) scores of 52.2-82.2, and moderate to good on enjoyment and satisfaction, with average scores ranging from 5.1 to 8.1 on a scale of 1-10. The activity tracker received the best scores, followed by EMI, followed by the chatbot. Based on the findings, the activity tracker interventions were fine-tuned and technical difficulties regarding EMI and the chatbot were solved, which is expected to further improve usability and appreciation. During this study, 6 prototypes of online PA interventions with added mobile elements were developed and tested for usability and appreciation. Although all prototypes scored moderate to high on usability, enjoyment, and satisfaction, it can be concluded that the integration of an activity tracker with a computer-based PA intervention is the most promising option among the 3 mobile elements tested during this study. The prototype development steps of the systematic design protocol followed can be considered useful and successful for the purposes of this study. The interventions can now be evaluated on a larger scale through a randomized controlled trial. RR2-10.2196/31677.

Effects of two computer-based interventions on reading comprehension: Does strategy instruction matter?

Managing text information to answer questions is one of the most frequent reading activities. These reading situations, called task-oriented reading, are challenging for students since they require specific skills that extend beyond basic reading comprehension skills. This is especiallypronounced when deep comprehension is required. Although many computer-based interventions have focused on teaching strategies to foster text comprehension, the role of strategy instruction in task-oriented reading has not been examined. In this study, we aim to ascertain the efficacy of an intervention based on task-oriented reading strategy instruction (TuinLECweb), in both textbase and situation model levels of comprehension, comparing it with training based on question-answering practice (AutoLEC). Moreover, we analyzed students’ use of the instructional components and resources of the programs and the relationship to their efficacy. One hundred and thirty pupils attending sixth grade participated in this experimental pre-post study. The intervention comprised eight sessions in which students followed the training on their computers in the classroom. Results show that participants in both conditions raised their reading scores; however, while students in AutoLEC training obtained higher textbase scores, students in the TuinLECweb condition improved their situation model performance. Besides, gain in reading comprehension was not related to either instructional components or resources. These findings highlight the key role of strategy instruction in fostering deep comprehension when employing computer-based interventions in task-oriented reading. Moreover, these results point out the needto analyze how students manage the instructional aids offered to them.

A Computer-Based Early Intervention for Thai Preschool Children at Risk of Dyslexia: A Pre- and Postintervention Study

AbstractPreschool children at risk of dyslexia show inadequate progress in their preliteracy skills; they often perform poorly in the domain of phonological awareness, letter knowledge, and rapid automatized naming. As a result, they tend to fall behind academically, specifically in reading, when they enter primary school. Because time is of the essence, early intervention becomes necessary to provide the best possible preliteracy outcome. To date, there has not been a study that investigates the effectiveness of early intervention in Thai, a language that is typologically and orthographically different from those in previous studies. In this preliminary study, training materials, created with phonological awareness and letter knowledge at the core, were presented via interactive Siriraj Pre-Literacy Enhancement software. In total, 73 typically developing preschoolers, aged 60 to 66 months, were enrolled. Preliteracy skills were measured by Rama Pre-Read (RPR). At-risk children received the 11-week computer-based early intervention training. After the intervention was completed, participants' preliteracy skills were evaluated by RPR (posttest). Sixteen children (21.9%) were at risk of dyslexia. Results after training indicated that preschool at-risk children of dyslexia in Thailand show a high magnitude of improvement in preliteracy skills, across all three domains. The computer-based early intervention to promote preliteracy skills is a feasible and effective form of remediation for Thai children at risk of dyslexia.

Rehabilitation for Impaired Attention in the Acute and Post-Acute Phase After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review.

Impaired attention is the most common and debilitating cognitive deficit following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Attention is a fundamental function that profoundly influences the performance of other cognitive components such as memory and execution. Intriguingly, attention can be improved through cognitive rehabilitation. This narrative review summarizes the essential elements of rehabilitation for attention problems in acute and post-acute TBI. In the acute phase of mild TBI, investigations into the medical history and daily life performance, neurological examination, screening and management of concomitant sleep-wake disorders or neuropsychiatric disorders, and support and education on the natural course of concussion are covered. Rehabilitation for patients with moderate-to-severe TBI consists of serial assessment for patients with disorders of consciousness and a post-traumatic confusion state. In the post-acute phase after TBI, components of rehabilitation include investigating medical history; neurological, imaging, and electrophysiological tests; evaluation and treatment of factors that may impact attention, including sleep-wake, emotional, and behavioral disorders; evaluation of attention function; and cognitive rehabilitation as a matter of course. We summarized metacognitive strategy, direct attention training, computer-based cognitive interventions, medication, and environmental control as interventions to enhance attention.

An Intervention Program Based on the Syllabic Method for Enhancing Early Literacy in Preschool Children

ABSTRACT Studies have reported the importance of intervention programs to support early literacy in preschool. However, very few studies have tested the efficacy of intervention programs based on the syllabic method. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel computer-based program based on the syllabic method for preschoolers (the Simo-syl program). Sixty-three 5-year-old children participated in the study, and their language and early literacy skills were tested. Thirty-four of them were included in the 12-week computer-based intervention program. The early literacy skills of all the children were then re-tested. The Simo-syl group showed a significant improvement in the syllabic segmentation and word identification tasks. Children with low language competences displayed greater improvements after the intervention than children with higher language competences. The Simo-syl intervention program effectively promotes early literacy skills, especially for children with language fragilities.

A randomized controlled trial to pilot the efficacy of a computer-based intervention with elements of virtual reality and limited therapist assistance for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Although well-established therapies exist for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), barriers to seek mental health care are high. Technology-based interventions may play a role in improving the reach of efforts to treat, especially when therapist availability is low. The goal of the current randomized controlled trial was to pilot the efficacy of a computer-based trauma intervention with elements of virtual reality (VR; 3MR system) and limited therapist involvement for the treatment of PTSD in a childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and war veteran sample and to compare this to "treatment as usual" (TAU). TAU consisted of evidence-based approaches such as imaginal exposure, EMDR, or narrative exposure therapy. A total of 44 patients with PTSD were included and randomly assigned to 12 sessions of 3MR intervention or TAU (completer n 3MR = 12, TAU = 18). Several measures (PCL-5, BDI-II, OQ-45-2, and the M.I.N.I. 5.0.0.) were administered to measure symptoms of PTSD and depression and scores of overall well-being at pre, post, and a three-month follow-up measurement. Analyses suggest that symptoms of PTSD and depression in the 3MR condition decreased, and overall well-being increased between pre and post measurements. Results did not indicate any clear differences between the treatment conditions over time which suggests that treatment gains of the 3MR intervention seem no less than those of TAU. Finally, both treatment conditions produced similar remission rates of PTSD and depression. Therefore, the 3MR intervention could possibly constitute an appropriate treatment alternative. The small sample size as well as evident drop-out rates in the 3MR condition (45%) do warrant further research. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethical Research Committee (MERC) of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam (MEC-NL46279.078.13) and pre-registered via ClinicalTrials.gov (Protocol Record CI1-12-S028-1).