Improving Executive Functions Research Articles

Improved Executive Function and Science Achievement for At-Risk Middle School Girls in an Aerobic Fitness Program

This study explored the effects of a middle school physical activity intervention for adolescent girls on the executive functioning involved in science learning. The girls, ages 11 to 14, were at risk for low self-esteem, sedentary lifestyle, and poor health outcomes. Executive function stems from interdependent cognitive control processes that influence goal setting and information processing, which complement higher order thinking required for acquiring scientific process skills. A 20-week informal triathlon training program served as the intervention for the treatment girls ( n = 29). The comparison group of girls ( n = 30) was randomly drawn from a matched sample of students of a similar demographic. Mean comparisons, ANCOVA, and Roy-Bargmann stepdown analysis were used to measure outcomes. The intervention contributed to significant improvement in several executive functions and science achievement. These results suggest that an afterschool program with a physical fitness component may improve the executive functions involved in science learning.

The Grass Might Be Greener: Medical Marijuana Patients Exhibit Altered Brain Activity and Improved Executive Function after 3 Months of Treatment.

The vast majority of states have enacted full or partial medical marijuana (MMJ) programs, causing the number of patients seeking certification for MMJ use to increase dramatically in recent years. Despite increased use of MMJ across the nation, no studies thus far have examined the specific impact of MMJ on cognitive function and related brain activation. In the present study, MMJ patients seeking treatment for a variety of documented medical conditions were assessed prior to initiating MMJ treatment and after 3 months of treatment as part of a larger longitudinal study. In order to examine the effect of MMJ treatment on task-related brain activation, MMJ patients completed the Multi-Source Interference Test (MSIT) while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We also collected data regarding conventional medication use, clinical state, and health-related measures at each visit. Following 3 months of treatment, MMJ patients demonstrated improved task performance accompanied by changes in brain activation patterns within the cingulate cortex and frontal regions. Interestingly, after MMJ treatment, brain activation patterns appeared more similar to those exhibited by healthy controls from previous studies than at pre-treatment, suggestive of a potential normalization of brain function relative to baseline. These findings suggest that MMJ use may result in different effects relative to recreational marijuana (MJ) use, as recreational consumers have been shown to exhibit decrements in task performance accompanied by altered brain activation. Moreover, patients in the current study also reported improvements in clinical state and health-related measures as well as notable decreases in prescription medication use, particularly opioids and benzodiapezines after 3 months of treatment. Further research is needed to clarify the specific neurobiologic impact, clinical efficacy, and unique effects of MMJ for a range of indications and how it compares to recreational MJ use.

Intervention Program to Improve Executive Functions and Enhance Planning Abilities of Patients With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention program to improve executive functions and enhance the planning abilities of patients with mild neurocognitive disorder. A pilot intervention study. Ten inpatients performed an intervention program based on Lezak's conceptual model that teaches task-specific routines. The program consisted of six training sessions presented over a 2-week period. Neuropsychological assessments were performed pre- and postintervention. The postintervention scores of the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome Total Profile and two subtests were significantly higher than the preintervention scores. The instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Visual Analog Scale were significantly improved. This intervention program leads to improvement in the executive function of planning ability and promotes independence and self-confidence in patients with mild neurocognitive disorder. Clinicians should consider the program in terms of improving the executive dysfunction, and the process of planning and the process of actual practice are important.

Increasing Readiness to Learn: Benefits of Executive Function Training in Kindergarten Carry over to First Grade

Executive Function skills such as focused attention, inhibition or self-control, and working memory in preschool and kindergarten predict reading and math achievement in elementary school and beyond. A growing body of research indicates that these skills can be improved by repetitive practice of progressively more difficult tasks that require Executive Function. We report that children who participated in an integrated program of computer presented and physical exercises to improve Executive Function when in kindergarten then entered first grade with greater attention and self-control skills than their first grade classmates who had not participated in the program.

Improving Executive Function for Better Diabetes Management

Improving Executive Function for Better Diabetes Management

Effectiveness of Play Based Learning Activities in Improving Executive Function and Performance among Children with Attention De?cit Hyperactivity Disorder

Effectiveness of Play Based Learning Activities in Improving Executive Function and Performance among Children with Attention De?cit Hyperactivity Disorder

Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults.

Different types of interventions have focused on trying to improve Executive Functions (EFs) due to their essential role in human cognition and behavior regulation. Although EFs are thought to be diverse, most training studies have targeted cognitive processes related to working memory (WM), and fewer have focused on training other control mechanisms, such as inhibitory control (IC). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the differential impact of training WM and IC as compared with control conditions performing non-executive control activities. Young adults were divided into two training (WM/IC) and two (active/passive) control conditions. Over six sessions, the training groups engaged in three different computer-based adaptive activities (WM or IC), whereas the active control group completed a program with low control-demanding activities that mainly involved processing speed. In addition, motivation and engagement were monitored through the training. The WM-training activities required maintenance, updating and memory search processes, while those from the IC group engaged response inhibition and interference control. All participants were pre- and post-tested in criterion tasks (n-back and Stroop), near transfer measures of WM (Operation Span) and IC (Stop-Signal). Non-trained far transfer outcome measures included an abstract reasoning test (Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices) and a well-validated experimental task (AX-CPT) that provides indices of cognitive flexibility considering proactive/reactive control. Training results revealed that strongly motivated participants reached higher levels of training improvements. Regarding transfer effects, results showed specific patterns of near transfer effects depending on the type of training. Interestingly, it was only the IC training group that showed far transfer to reasoning. Finally, all trained participants showed a shift toward a more proactive mode of cognitive control, highlighting a general effect of training on cognitive flexibility. The present results reveal specific and general modulations of executive control mechanisms after brief training intervention targeting either WM or IC.

Randomized controlled trial of a web-based multi-modal therapy program for executive functioning in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy

Purpose state: Determine the efficacy of Move-it-to-improve-it (Mitii™), a multi-modal web-based program, in improving Executive Function (EF) in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP).Method: Participants (n = 102) were matched in pairs then randomized to: intervention (Mitii™ for 20 weeks; n = 51; 26 males; mean age = 11 years 8 months (SD = 2 years 4 months); Full Scale IQ = 84.65 (SD = 15.19); 28 left UCP; GMFCS-E&R (I = 20, II = 31) or waitlist control (n = 50; 25 males; mean age = 11 years 10 months (SD = 2 years 5 months); Full Scale IQ = 80.75 (SD = 19.81); 20 left UCP; GMFCS-E&R (I = 25, II = 25). Mitii™ targeted working memory (WM), visual processing (VP), upper limb co-ordination and physical activity. EF capacity was assessed: attentional control (DSB; WISC-IV); cognitive flexibility (inhibition and number-letter sequencing DKEFS); goal setting (D-KEFs Tower Test); and information processing (WISC-IV Symbol Search and Coding). EF performance was assessed via parent report (BRIEF). Groups were compared at 20 weeks using linear regression (SPSS 21).Results: There were no significant between group differences in attentional control (DSB; p = 0.20;CI= −0.40,1.87); cognitive flexibility (Inhibition, p = 0.34; CI= −0.73,2.11; number/letter sequencing, p = 0.17; CI= −0.55,2.94); problem solving (Tower; p = 0.28; CI= −0.61,2.09), information processing (Symbol; p = 0.08; CI= −0.16, 2.75; Coding; p = 0.07; CI= −0.12,2.52) or EF performance (p = 0.13; CI= −10.04,1.38).Conclusion:In a large RCT, MitiiTM did not lead to significant improvements on measures of EF or parent ratings of EF performance in children with UCP.Implications for rehabilitationA large RCT of the multi-modal web based training; Move It to Improve It (MitiiTM) improves motor processing, visual perception, and physical capacity but does demonstrate statistically significant improvements or clinical significance in executive function in children with mild to moderate unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP).MitiiTM training completed by an intervention group was highly variable with few children reaching the target dosage of 60 h. Technical issues including server and internet connectively problems lead to disengagement with the program.Web-based training delivered in the home has the potential to increase therapy dose and accessibility, however, MitiiTM needs to be tailored to include tasks involving goal-setting, more complex problem solving using multi-dimensional strategies, mental flexibility, switching between two cognitively demanding tasks, and greater novelty in order to increase the cognitive component and challenge required to drive changes in EF.

Cognitive Training with Adaptive Motion-Based Video Games for Improving Executive Functions Following Acquired Brain Injury

Cognitive Training with Adaptive Motion-Based Video Games for Improving Executive Functions Following Acquired Brain Injury

Strategy-Based Cognitive Training for Improving Executive Functions in Older Adults: a Systematic Review

Given projected increases in dementia prevalence, emphasising earlier stages of cognitive impairment in older adults enables targeted early intervention strategies. Strategy-based cognitive training (SCT) is a remedial approach involving guidance and practice in compensatory techniques to improve cognition, including memory and attention. It may also be effective for improving executive functions (EF) integral to everyday tasks. This review systematically evaluates SCT effects on EF in older adults without dementia. Following PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed eligible trials according to pre-defined criteria, differentiating SCT from other cognitive interventions and stipulating total EF-focused intervention time, study design and target population (healthy older adults or mild cognitive decline). We then evaluated trials according to design, methodological quality and outcomes. Unfortunately, with too few studies in mild cognitive impairment, we refocused our review only on healthy older adults. Thirteen studies with 4120 participants in total were included, primarily targeting inductive reasoning. Despite heterogeneous study designs and SCT programs, 11/13 trials reported significant EF improvements, generally of moderate effect size (Hedges' g>0.3). Four studies reported sustained benefits from one month to 10years. There was some evidence of far transfer. We conclude that there is promising evidence for SCT as a targeted intervention for EF in healthy older adults and preliminary evidence for maintaining effects over time. Fewer trials have investigated far transfer (e.g. improved everyday functioning) or capacity to delay/prevent dementia, which are most relevant to clinical utility. Limitations include the inability to calculate effect sizes for four studies and absence of statistical meta-analysis.

Are medical marijuana users different than recreational marijuana users?

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 156 (2015) e102–e182 e141 and fewerpercent days smoking (8% fewer,p 16 yrs). This study investigated differential effects of age of smokingonset on response impulsivity and inhibitory control using a novel smoking Go/NoGo task (Luijten et al., 2011). Methods: Adult EOS (n=6) and LOS (n=10) in acute nicotine withdrawal and adult non-smokers (NS;n=10) were shown Smoking or Non-Smoking images with either a blue (Go) or yellow (NoGo) frame. Participants were instructed to respond to blueframed Go trials quickly and accurately, and withhold responding for yellow-framed NoGo trials. Each Smoking and Non-Smoking image was shown 3 times as a Go stimulus and once as a NoGo stimulus. Results: EOS and LOS exhibited more Go errors (p<0.01) and a greater false alarm rate (p<0.01) than NS. EOS and LOS showed loweroverallGo responseaccuracy (p<0.01), andEOSalsoexhibited lower Smoking Go accuracy (p<0.03), than NS. EOS and LOS exhibited lower Smoking NoGo accuracy (p<0.02), and LOS also showed lower Non-Smoking NoGo accuracy (p<0.02), than NS. Smoking Go accuracy and Non-Smoking NoGo accuracy were each correlated with age of smoking onset (p<0.01) and daily cigarettes smoked (p<0.02). Conclusions: EOShaddifficulty responding accurately to Smoking Go stimuli, suggesting that these distracting images disrupted attention to task demands. In contrast, LOS had difficultywithholding responses to both Smoking and NonSmoking NoGo stimuli, indicating greater impulsivity and deficits in inhibitory control, regardless of category. Collectively, preliminary findings suggest age of smoking onset differentially impacts task-related attention and response inhibition, thus individualized cognitive approaches may improveexecutive function in smokers in treatmentprograms. Financial support: K01DA034028 (YM). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.07.386 Risks associated with nonmedical prescription opioid use: Transition to heroin use and drug injection, overdose and hepatitis C Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Honoria Guarino, Lauren Jessell, Cassandra Syckes, Samuel R. Friedman Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc, New York,

The Effectiveness of the Get Ready to Learn Program in Improving Executive Functions in Children With Disabilities

Abstract Date Presented 4/16/2015 There is a huge gap in the literature when it comes to studies done to evaluate the effects of yoga-based interventions on executive functions. In the current study, we bridge this gap and enhance understanding of yoga-based interventions to explore their use as a therapeutic intervention.

Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Improving Executive Functions in Unipolar Depression Patients?

In an acute episode of unipolar depression, patients show lower performance on the tests which make substantial demands on executive functions. Several studies documented that the impairment sometimes remains even in remitted patient, partially due to the antidepressant side effects or ECT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate executive functions in subjects who underwent ECT for therapy-resistant depression. Methods A course of bilateral ECT (mean number of applications 8.8+/-3.2) was applied to 22 patients (age 46.3±9.8; males 45.8%;IQ 97.2±11.6) with baseline HAMD 28.5±3.6, DASS 95±15, MMSE 29.1±1,1, who were tested by Sockings of Cambridge (SOC) tests (Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery)at baseline (T0), immediately after ECT (T1) and one month later (T2). ECT was delivered with a modern square-wave machine with EEG and ECG monitoring. Modified treatment was performed in all cases. Results The intensity of depressive symptoms (HAMD and DASS) was significantly reduced at T1 and T2in comparison to baseline (p Conclusion ECT reduced depression without impairing executive function. As it is less likely that improvement in mean thinking time on SOC is directly associated with ECT, we suggest that improved execution is rather due to the decreased individual sensitivity to negative feedback during performing the task.

A Tablet PC-Based Music-Making Program for Improving Executive Function of Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities

A Tablet PC-Based Music-Making Program for Improving Executive Function of Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities

Bilingualism as a Potential Strategy to Improve Executive Function in Preterm Infants: A Review

Preterm birth is associated with long-term deficits in executive functioning and cognitive performance. Using the model of brain plasticity as a theoretical framework, it is possible that preterm infants' neurodevelopmental sequelae can be altered. Evidence suggests that bilingualism confers cognitive advantages on executive functioning, so it is possible that bilingualism may improve preterm infants' neurodevelopment. However, bilingualism has only been studied in term children. This review examined literature that compared the performance of preterm-born children to term children and bilingual children to monolingual children on executive function tasks. To address cognitive disparities in preterm-born children, studies investigating the effect of bilingualism on preterm infants' executive functioning is warranted.

Playing Smarter in a Digital World: A Guide to Choosing and Using Popular Video Games and Apps to Improve Executive Functioning in Children and Teens.

Games for Health JournalVol. 3, No. 6 Book ReviewPlaying Smarter in a Digital World: A Guide to Choosing and Using Popular Video Games and Apps to Improve Executive Functioning in Children and TeensAnn E. MaloneyAnn E. MaloneySearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:25 Nov 2014https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2014.0089AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View articleFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 3Issue 6Dec 2014 InformationCopyright 2014, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Ann E. Maloney.Playing Smarter in a Digital World: A Guide to Choosing and Using Popular Video Games and Apps to Improve Executive Functioning in Children and Teens.Games for Health Journal.Dec 2014.399-401.http://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2014.0089Published in Volume: 3 Issue 6: November 25, 2014Online Ahead of Print:September 24, 2014PDF download

Aerobic Exercise to Improve Executive Function in Parkinson Disease

Parkinson disease (PD) affects cognition, specifically executive function. In people with PD, impaired executive function has been identified as an indicator of fall risk and decreased quality of life. Therefore, it is important to consider impaired executive function in the physical therapy management of PD. It has been established that exercise improves cognition in older adults and emerging evidence suggests a similar effect in people with neurological conditions. We assessed changes in executive function in an aerobic exercise intervention in 2 people with cognitive impairments due to PD. Two individuals with PD participated in this case series. Participant 1 was a 61-year-old woman with PD dementia, who had PD for 14 years. Participant 2 was a 72-year-old man with mild cognitive impairments, who had PD for 7 years. The participants completed an 8-week program of aerobic exercise training on a stationary bicycle. Primary outcome measures examined executive function, and secondary measures examined disease severity, quality of life, and walking function. Both participants demonstrated improvements in all measures of executive function and quality of life. Participant 1 also made improvements in walking function. Our outcomes provide preliminary evidence of improved executive function following aerobic exercise in people with PD with cognitive impairments. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate whether a causal relationship exists between exercise and improved executive function in persons with PD, and how these impact motor performance and quality of life measures.Video Abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A43) for more insights from the authors.

Cognitive Training for Improving Executive Function in Chemotherapy-Treated Breast Cancer Survivors

BackgroundA majority of breast cancer (BC) survivors, particularly those treated with chemotherapy, experience long-term cognitive deficits that significantly reduce quality of life. Among the cognitive domains most commonly affected include executive functions (EF), such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, multitasking, planning, and attention. Previous studies in other populations have shown that cognitive training, a behavioral method for treating cognitive deficits, can result in significant improvements in a number of cognitive skills, including EF. Materials and MethodsIn this study, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel, online EF training program in long-term BC survivors. A total of 41 BC survivors (21 active, 20 wait list) completed the 48 session training program over 12 weeks. The participants were, on average, 6 years after therapy. ResultsCognitive training led to significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency and processing speed, with marginally significant downstream improvements in verbal memory as assessed via standardized measures. Self-ratings of EF skills, including planning, organizing, and task monitoring, also were improved in the active group compared with the wait list group. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that EF skills may be improved even in long-term survivors by using a computerized, home-based intervention program. These improvements may potentially include subjective EF skills, which suggest a transfer of the training program to real-world behaviors.

Does Atomoxetine Improve Executive Function, Inhibitory Control, and Hyperactivity?

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atomoxetine (ATX) on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related symptoms assessed as standard variables of a computer-based continuous performance test (cb-CPT) combined with a motion-tracking (MT) device. This was a 2-arm, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with ADHD (6-12 years). Therapy with ATX started with 0.5 mg/kg per day for 1 week, followed by 7 weeks on the target dosage of 1.2 mg/kg per day. Primary outcomes were cb-CPT/MT standard scores after 8 weeks using mixed models for repeated measurements. In addition, investigator-rated ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), Weekly Ratings of Evening and Morning Behavior (WREMB), and Clinical Global Impression - Severity-ADHD (CGI-S-ADHD) scores were assessed. Of 128 patients randomized, 125 were evaluated (ATX/placebo: 63/62). Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups (overall, 80.2% boys; mean [SD] age, 9.0 [1.79] years; comorbid Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosis, 40.0% oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder; prior stimulant treatment, 24.8%; ADHD-RS total score, 36.99 [11.56]). At week 8, all cb-CPT/MT q-scores were significantly reduced versus placebo (all P < 0.001) with effect sizes (ESs) of reaction time (RT) variation (ES = 0.71), mean RT (ES = 0.41), number of microevents (ES = 1.00), commission error rate (ES = 0.50), distance of movement (ES = 0.90), area of movement (ES = 1.08), omission error rate (ES = 0.70), time active (ES = 0.69), motion simplicity (ES = 0.38), and normalized variance of RT (ES = 0.50). Secondary end points also improved significantly in favor of ATX: ADHD-RS (total score ES = 1.30, P < 0.001; hyperactivity/impulsivity subscore ES = 1.37, P < 0.001; inattention subscore ES = 1.07, P < 0.001), WREMB (total score ES = 1.00, P < 0.001; morning subscore ES = 0.59, P = 0.002; evening subscore ES = 1.02, P < 0.001), CGI-S-ADHD (ES = 1.11, P < 0.001). The results of this study show that ATX for 8 weeks significantly reduced ADHD-related symptoms as measured by the cb-CPT/MT.

Improving Executive Function and its Neurobiological Mechanisms through a Mindfulness-Based Intervention: Advances within the Field of Developmental Neuroscience.

Poor executive function (EF) has been associated with a host of short- and long-term problems across the lifespan, including elevated rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, drug abuse, and antisocial behavior. Mindfulness-based interventions that focus on increasing awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions have been shown to improve specific aspects of EF, including attention, cognitive control, and emotion regulation. In this article, we apply a developmental neuroscience perspective to review research relevant to one specific mindfulness-based intervention, Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT). Randomized controlled trials of IBMT indicate improvements in specific EF components, and uniquely highlight the role of neural circuitry specific to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as two brain-based mechanisms that underlie IBMT-related improvements. The relevance of improving specific dimensions of EF through short-term IBMT to prevent a cascade of risk behaviors for children and adolescents is described and future research directions are proposed.