Cognitive Training Research Articles

What is the Current Knowledge and Experience on Preventive Pathway for Healthy Ageing in Italy? A Scoping Review.

Worldwide population is ageing rapidly. Lifestyle factors are essential targets for leading to behaviour change interventions that promote healthy aging. We performed a scoping review aimed to underline the current knowledge and experience on preventive interventions for healthy and active ageing in Italy. Secondly, it intended to study the manner in which this country will pursue the topic in this research area. The search was conducted on different databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus on July 25th, 2023, and search results were filtered to include only articles published from 2003. A total of 951 potentially relevant records were retrieved. After duplicates removal, 810 unique records were screened. Finally, four studies fulfilling established criteria were included. All the studies were conducted in the northern and central regions of Italy. The investigated populations were older adults, and all four studies were focused mainly on primary prevention and health promotion strategies based on self-efficacy and motivation of the participants, including physical activity, diet and cognitive training. In addition, two studies used mobile health technologies to deliver the preventive intervention for healthy ageing. Our scoping review underlines the limited knowledge and experience of preventive healthy aging interventions in the national setting. The new preventive pathway that promotes healthy ageing healthily should be based on tailored lifestyle interventions, managed by multidisciplinary teams with the use of digital tools, in order to improve older people's safety. The characteristics of the settings are still not clear.

A protocol for a feasibility study of Cognitive Bias Modification training (IVY) countering fatigue in people with breast cancer

BackgroundCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most prevalent, distressing, and quality of life disturbing symptom during and after cancer treatment for many cancer types including breast cancer. The experience and burden of this symptom can induce a cognitive bias towards fatigue or a fatigue-related self-image, which can further increase the fatigue symptoms and related behaviour. For this, a Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) eHealth app (IVY) has been developed. The app aims to counter the fatigue-related self-image and to modify it towards vitality, which might translate to less experienced fatigue and more experienced vitality. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the IVY CBM training and the research design of a wait-list control trial. If feasibility is judged sufficient, the effectiveness of the CBM app will also be analyzed on (1) underlying mechanisms (cognitive fatigue bias), (2) symptom fatigue (self-reported fatigue and vitality), and (3) related behaviours (avoidance and all-or-nothing behaviour).MethodsThis feasibility study addresses individuals being treated for breast cancer receiving (neo)adjuvant treatment or metastatic care. The number of target participants is 120 (60 (neo)adjuvant, and 60 metastatic) patients. Both groups will be randomized with 30 people in the IVY treatment group and 30 people in the delayed treatment control group. All participants will receive the training via the IVY app, in which participants categorize words related to vitality with words related to ‘I’ and words related to fatigue with words related to ‘other’. If feasibility is judged sufficient, the effects of the training will be explored on 3 levels: (1) self-identity bias, which will be measured with a short computer task based on the Implicit Association Test (IAT), (2) avoidance and all-or-nothing behaviour, and (3) fatigue and vitality levels, which will all be measured with questionnaires.DiscussionThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a larger-scale multi-centre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to investigate a novel eHealth application and, if possible, to give indications on the effectiveness of this intervention to counter fatigue in individuals with breast cancer. Using the IVY CBM app requires very little effort, both in time and cognitive load, which could be especially beneficial for fatigue symptoms.Trial registrationRegistered at the Open Science Framework (OSF; https://osf.io/e85g7/) on October 20, 2023.

Optimal intensity and dose of exercise to improve university students' mental health: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials.

A systematic evaluation and network meta-analysis (NMA) using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate the effects of different exercise intensities and dosages on the mental health of college students. A systematic search of eight electronic databases of RCTs involving mental health exercise interventions for college students was conducted, which included data from the inception of the databases through July 2024. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the literature. Pairwise, network, and dose‒response meta-analyses were conducted via random-effects models to analyze the effects of exercise on college students' mental health. A total of 48 RCTs (3951 patients) were included. Light, moderate, and vigorous exercise were all significantly effective at reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, whereas very light exercise was only effective at reducing symptoms of depression and stress. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability ranking revealed that vigorous exercise had the highest probability of being the best intervention intensity to improve depression and stress symptoms, and the best exercise intensity to improve anxiety symptoms was moderate. The minimum threshold for overall exercise intervention for depressive symptoms was 150 METs-min per week, the benefits provided after doses above 1300 METs-min per week were less pronounced, and the predicted maximum significant response dose was 860 METs-min per week, which was the same as the predicted data for moderate exercise. Very light, light, moderate, and vigorous exercise are all potentially effective exercise intensities for improving the mental health of college students, with no significant difference in effectiveness across the four exercise intensities. SUCRA rankings revealed that vigorous exercise is the most effective intervention for depression and stress and that moderate exercise is the most effective intervention for anxiety. Exercise interventions for depressive symptoms have a low dosage threshold, are simple and easy to administer, and are good treatments for psychological problems in college students.

Assessing law enforcement officer skills in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) research: developing and implementing standardized scenarios

This paper outlines the development of standardized scenarios used to assess the efficacy of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in a randomized, controlled trial. The objective was to create scenarios that accurately simulate mental health crisis situations for law enforcement officers, ensuring that each scenario tests specific CIT skills relevant to real-world encounters. Our process involved building an interdisciplinary team and drawing from the knowledge and experience of professionals in law enforcement, mental health, and performance arts to design a set of scenarios that are both realistic and challenging. The scenarios were developed to represent mental health crises that officers frequently encounter, such as mania, psychosis with agitation, and depression with suicidality. Each scenario requires officers to demonstrate CIT-specific skills such as verbal de-escalation, empathy, and critical decision-making. Our structured approach to developing these scenarios provides a replicable model for future studies that aim to assess the real-world effectiveness of mental health training for law enforcement as well as other professional groups.

Effects of improving metacognitive awareness on emotional regulation and concentration in high school students

This study aimed to develop a program to improve metacognitive awareness using acceptance and cognitive defusion training to examine its effects on emotional regulation and concentration in high school students. A total of 409 students participated in a concentration test; 45 students who received scores in the bottom 20% were divided into three groups of 15 students each: metacognitive awareness improvement, motivation reinforcement, and control. The metacognitive awareness improvement and motivation reinforcement program consisted of eight sessions each while the control group received zero intervention. Participants’ negative emotionality, emotional regulation, concentration, metacognitive awareness, and learning motivation were examined thrice: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and after nine weeks of follow-up. Compared to the control group, the metacognitive awareness improvement group showed considerably higher scores post-intervention and at follow-up. Conversely, the motivation reinforcement group showed higher scores and learning motivation scores only in the post-intervention stage and only showed significantly higher concentrations at follow-up.

The use of combined cognitive training and non-invasive brain stimulation to modulate impulsivity in adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies

IntroductionImpulsivity, a tendency to act rashly and without forethought, is a core feature of many mental disorders that has been implicated in suicidality and offending behaviours. While research supports the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to modulate brain functions, no studies specifically reviewed the use of combined cognitive training and NIBS to modulate impulsivity.MethodsWe aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the literature on the use of combined cognitive training and NIBS to modulate impulsivity and its subdomains (motor, delay discounting, reflection). We searched Scopus, PsychInfo, Medline, and Cinahl electronic databases, dissertations database, and Google scholar up to September 2024.ResultsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, four randomised controlled studies involving the use of combined cognitive training and tDCS in 127 subjects were included in the study. These studies included subjects with substance use disorders, obesity, and Parkinson’s disease. Meta-analysis showed that combined cognitive training and tDCS had no statistically significant effects on motor impulsivity as measured using reaction times on the Stop Signal Task and Go/No Go tasks. One study that measured impulsiveness scores on a delay discounting task also showed no significant results. No studies measured reflection or cognitive impulsivity.DiscussionThere is a dearth of literature on the use of combined cognitive training and NIBS for impulsivity. This in conjunction of clinical heterogeneity across studies makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the neuromodulation of impulsivity and its subdomains using combined cognitive training and NIBS. The findings of this study highlight the need to conduct more studies in the field.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42024511576.

Long -term multimodal exercise intervention for patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Feasibility and preliminary outcomes

Introduction: After Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second most common form of early-onset dementia. Despite the heavy burden of care for FTLD, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments with sufficient efficacy remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal exercise program for FTLD and to examine preliminary changes in the clinical outcomes of the program in FTLD. Methods: This single-arm preliminary study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 and recruited four male patients with FTLD aged 60–78 years. Patients exercised under the supervision of an exercise instructor once every 2 weeks for 48 weeks. The multimodal exercise program comprised cognitive training, moderate-intensity continuous training, strength training, balance training, and flexibility and relaxation training. Feasibility was measured using dropout and attendance rates. Cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral function tests were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: All patients completed the intervention (100%) and attended well (93.6%). Positive changes in scores in the Stroop Color Word Test (cognitive; 5 out of 6 items), Mood Check List-short form 2 (psychological), movement subscales of the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (behavioral), and timed up-and-go (TUG, physical) assessments demonstrated a medium-to-high effect size (open effect size: 0.52–0.97). While there were improvements in some domains, such as recovery self-efficacy and exercise efficacy, the MMSE-J scores showed an overall slight decline, especially in the SD case where a marked decrease was observed. Additionally, three physical function items showed no effect, except for a positive outcome in the TUG test. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) revealed increased activation in the frontal lobe, indicated by elevated oxygenated hemoglobin levels before and after the exercise intervention. This pattern of activation suggests that the intervention may have stimulated neural activity in the frontal lobe, potentially enhancing cognitive and behavioral functions, including executive function and attention. Conclusion: The long-term multimodal exercise intervention may be feasible and positively change the cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral functions in older adults with FTLD. Although the intervention led to improvements in certain areas, there were also declines observed in various functions, which may not necessarily be due to the intervention itself but rather reflect the natural progression of the disease.

Mental training for college athletes

This paper examines the development of mental training in sports, emphasizing the differences between China and other countries in terms of training methods and research approaches. The study employs a literature review method to analyse existing domestic research and draw conclusions. Numerous studies have shown that mental training is crucial for enhancing athletes' performance. By investigating the definitions of mental training in various regions and assessing the current state of mental training in Chinese universities, this study highlights these differences. The findings reveal several gaps between China and other countries in this field: 1) China's research on mental training started relatively late, with limitations in both content and depth; 2) deficiencies in research design, including limited scope in subject and sample selection, unclear operational definitions of variables, and insufficient control of extraneous variables; and 3) a lack of empirical research and methodological innovation in mental training. These findings suggest that China needs to expand and enhance research in mental training, with a particular focus on empirical studies and methodological innovation, to bridge the gap with other countries.

PENGARUH MENTAL TRAINING TERHADAP HASIL PUKULAN JARAK DEKAT ATLET SILAMPARI WOODBALL ACADEMY

This study aims to determine the effect of mental training on the close-range hitting of silampari athletes in the woodball academy. The sample tested in this study was 10 athletes using an experimental research type using a one group pretest posttest design. The design of this experimental research is: (1) Determining the population and sample (2) Providing an initial test, namely a 20-meter close-range punch test (3) Providing treatment in the form of mental exercises (4) Conducting a final test (5) Calculating the pretest and posttest (6) Determining Significant or not. After being given mental training, a score of sig. 0.003 < 0.05, then H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. So it can be concluded that there is an average difference between the results of the initial and final strokes, which means that there is a significant influence of applying mental training on the results of close shots of silampari woodball academy athletes.

Plantar sensory stimulation and its impact on gait and lower limb motor function in individuals with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stroke frequently leads to motor impairments, with almost half of the affected individuals experiencing diminished sensation, impacting their overall quality of life and autonomy. Rehabilitation efforts, however, often overlook somatosensory functions of the lower limbs. While plantar sensory stimulation activates receptors in the foot sole, its precise impact on the motor functions and gait of individuals with stroke is yet to be ascertained. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of sensory interventions on gait and lower limb motor function in individuals with stroke. We searched eight databases from inception to December 2023 for randomized controlled trials that investigated sensory interventions targeting gait or lower limb motor function in stroke patients. The primary outcomes included changes in gait and motor function, reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) and assessed heterogeneity (I2). A total of [number] studies were included, covering different sensory modalities such as textured insoles, plantar vibration, and cognitive sensorimotor exercises. The interventions showed varying effectiveness, with plantar vibration therapy exhibiting a large effect size (SMD = 2.03 [1.13, 2.94]) for improving lower limb motor function, while textured insoles showed moderate effectiveness (SMD = 0.58 [0.24, 0.92]) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). For gait, significant enhancement was seen with plantar vibration (SMD = 3.17 [2.05, 4.29]) and cognitive sensorimotor training (SMD = 2.85 [1.69, 4.02]). However, overall heterogeneity was moderate to high (I2 = 65% for motor function, 85% for gait), indicating variability across different studies and intervention types. The findings of this review and meta-analysis suggest that plantar somatosensory stimulation has the potential to improve lower limb motor function and gait in people with stroke. However, to firmly establish its efficacy as a rehabilitative tool, larger-scale and high-quality studies are requisite.

Optimizing Chess Algorithms for Adaptive Gameplay and Cognitive Training

Optimizing Chess Algorithms for Adaptive Gameplay and Cognitive Training

Learning and Transfer: A Perspective From Action Video Game Play

A growing body of research documents the positive impact that action video game play has on a range of cognitive skills. Such a result, in which training on one task promotes a broad variety of benefits, is a rarity in the cognitive training domain. Instead, the more typical result is that training on one task promotes benefits on that task alone with only limited transfer to untrained tasks. We have proposed that action video game play promotes broad generalization by first enhancing attentional control abilities. This in turn allows for more information to be accrued as one experiences a new task and thus faster learning of that new task. Possible theoretical and practical considerations of such a view are discussed.

Effectiveness of the Buddhist-Based Elderly Mental Health Counseling Training Program for Thai Health Volunteer Monks

The mental health challenges faced by aging societies, particularly within the context of Thai Buddhist communities, underscore the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives to support monks in promoting the psychological well-being of the elderly. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mental health training program for monks, rooted in Buddhist principles. The primary aim is to assess how well the program equips monks to counsel the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 32 health volunteer monks selected through purposive sampling. The study assessed the monks’ knowledge and practical counseling skills and collected participant feedback. The results indicate significant improvements in both knowledge and practical skills, with marked progress observed from pre- to post-test scores (p < 0.001) and sustained effectiveness in follow-up assessments (p = 0.005). Approximately 71.88% of participants passed the knowledge post-test and practical skills evaluation, with 62.50% demonstrating proficiency in the follow-up assessment. These findings suggest that the program is effective in preparing monks to address mental health issues among the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. Additionally, integrating indigenous practices and beliefs into mental health interventions can enhance their cultural relevance and acceptance. This approach empowers local religious leaders and fosters culturally sensitive solutions to mental health challenges across diverse populations.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training for improving response inhibition: A proof-of-concept, single-blind randomised controlled study

BackgroundImpaired response inhibition is a common characteristic of various psychiatric disorders. Cognitive training (CT) can improve cognitive function, but the benefits may be limited. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising tool to enhance neuroplasticity, and thereby augment the effects of CT. We aimed to investigate the augmentation effects of rTMS on CT for response inhibition in healthy participants. MethodsSixty healthy participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: one with prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) + CT and the other with sham iTBS + CT over four experimental sessions. Prolonged iTBS (1800 pulses) was used to stimulate the right inferior frontal cortex (rIFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) in a counterbalanced order. Participants completed a Stop Signal training task following iTBS over one brain region, followed by the Go/No-Go training task after iTBS over the other brain region. The Stroop task with concomitant electroencephalography was conducted before and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups in behavioural outcomes on the Stop Signal task, Go/No-Go task, Stroop task or Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning for Adults. Similarly, analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs) from the Stroop task (N200 and N400) and exploratory cluster-based permutation analysis did not reveal any significant differences between groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that individuals with higher baseline impulsivity exhibited better learning effects in the active group. ConclusionsThis first proof of concept study did not find evidence that four sessions of active rTMS + CT could induce cognitive or neurophysiological effects on response inhibition in healthy participants. However, subgroup analyses suggests that rTMS combined with CT could be useful in improving response inhibition in individuals with high impulsivity. It is recommended that future proof of concept studies examine its potential in this clinical population.

What We Learn through Multitasking: From Working Memory to General Intelligence

Multitasking ability has become indispensable in modern information-based societies. However, the question whether interindividual variations in multitasking ability can serve as a strong predictor of working memory performance and even general intelligence has received less attention. This review initially explores how these three seemingly disparate cognitive components-which operate at different levels-are interrelated and, then, critically examines the "brain training" boom of the 2000s that was characterized by claims that multitasking training could enhance general intelligence.

Speech-Controlled Robot Enabling Cognitive Training and Stimulation in Dementia Prevention for Severely Disabled People

Abstract The current German medical S3-guideline on dementia recommends the use of cognitive training and stimulation, e.g. through shared games, for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. The use of cobots, which allow direct human-robot collaboration, enables people with paralyzed upper limbs to actively participate in social activities. This research presents a novel approach through the development of a voice-controlled board game specifically tailored to the inclusion needs of people with severe disabilities. The human voice commands recorded via USB microphones are digitally filtered. Speech recognition of the control commands is performed using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based on the VGG- 16 architecture. The robot´s activity is controlled utilizing the ROS 2 robot operating system. A portable table-based complete system with a 3D-printed Tic-Tac-Toe playing field and robot assistant for severely disabled paralyzed people has been developed. The robot control system employs a pick-and-place mechanism, seamlessly integrating with speech recognition to enhance gameplay interaction. The CNN model achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 97%, ensuring reliable speech recognition performance throughout gameplay. The targeted integration of robotic technologies and artificial intelligence opens new avenues in the prevention of mental illness, care support and inclusion of older and disabled people.

AAPI Mental Health, Law Enforcement, and Training: Part 1

AAPI Mental Health, Law Enforcement, and Training: Part 1

Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of the effects of near-infrared spectroscopy neurofeedback training coupled with virtual reality technology in children with ADHD

BackgroundThe rise in the number of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) highlights the need for effective interventions targeting attentional control. Although recent research has demonstrated the potential of neurofeedback...

Modulation of physical exercise intensity in motor-cognitive training of adults using the SKILLCOURT technology.

Motor-cognitive training and exergaming often only reach low-to-medium intensities that limits their training efficiency. This study evaluated the physiological profile of different exercises on a novel motor-cognitive training technology designed to cover a broad range of exercise intensities. Twenty-six healthy trained adults (17 males, 23.7 ± 3.8 years) performed five motor-cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT technology. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood [lactate], perceived physical exertion (RPE) responses, and metabolic equivalent (MET) were assessed and compared to an incremental treadmill ramp test determining the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax). Computer-based cognitive training served as control condition. Motor-cognitive exercises reached a higher %VO2max and %HRmax levels when compared to computer-based training (p < 0.001). Average intensity varied significantly between motor-cognitive tasks, with %VO2max ranging from 22% to 81% (p < 0.001), %HRmax from 49% to 89% (p < 0.001), METs from 3.57 to 13.37 (p < 0.001), blood [lactate] from 0.93 to 7.81 mmol·L-1 (p < 0.001), and RPE from 8.5 to 16.4 (p < 0.001). Motor-cognitive training covers a wide range of exercise intensities. This supports individual training subscription and allows high-intensity training to facilitate cardio-vascular adaptations and neural plasticity.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with cognitive training on executive functions in healthy older adults: a secondary analysis from the ACT trial.

Cognitive aging has become a public health concern as the mean age of the population is ever-increasing. It is a naturalistic and common process of degenerative and compensatory changes that may result in neurocognitive disorders. While heterogeneous, cognitive aging mostly affects executive functions that may be associated with functional losses during activities of daily living. Cognition-oriented treatments like cognitive training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have garnered considerable attention in the past few decades while the exact picture regarding their efficacy in healthy older adults has not been determined yet. The present paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-month intervention of tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) with multimodal cognitive training on the Stroop test and Trail Making Tests A and B performance. One hundred and ninety-three healthy older adults from 2 sites were administered repeated sessions of active/sham tDCS with cognitive training. Baseline, post-intervention, and 1-year performance results between groups were compared using multiple linear regressions. Active tDCS resulted in better Stroop test performance at post-intervention (p = 0.033) but not at 1-year follow-up while no differences between groups were observed in TrailMakingTests A & B performance. The present results may correspond to a modest improvement in conflict monitoring, potentially due to modulation of prefrontal regions, without changing shifting performance. Further investigation is warranted to draw an interference regarding the subdomain-specific impact of repeated tDCS with multimodal cognitive training on executive functions.