Dataset Information

Potential cognitive and neural benefits of a computerised cognitive training programme based on Structure Learning in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cognitive flexibility refers to the capacity to shift between conceptual representations particularly in response to changes in instruction and feedback. It enables individuals to swiftly adapt to changes in their environment and has significant implications for learning. The present study focuses on investigating changes in cognitive flexibility following an intervention programme-Structure Learning training.

Methods

Participants are pseudo-randomised to either the Training or Control group, while matched on age, sex, intelligence and cognitive flexibility performance. In the Training group, participants undergo around 2 weeks of training (at least 13 sessions) on Structure Learning. In the Control group, participants do not have to undergo any training and are never exposed to the Structure Learning task. The effects of Structure Learning training are investigated at both the behavioural and neural level. We measured covariates that can influence an individual's training performance before the training phase and outcome measures that can potentially show training benefits after the training phase. At the behavioural level, we investigated outcomes in both cognitive and social aspects with a primary focus on executive functions. At the neural level, we employed a multimodality approach and investigated potential changes to functional connectivity patterns, neurometabolite concentration in the frontal brain regions, and brain microstructure and myelination.

Discussion

We reported the development of a novel training programme based on Structure Learning that aims to hone a general learning ability to potentially achieve extensive transfer benefits across various cognitive constructs. Potential transfer benefits can be exhibited through better performance in outcome measures between Training and Control participants, and positive associations between training performance and outcomes after the training in Training participants. Moreover, we attempt to substantiate behavioural findings with evidence of neural changes across different imaging modalities by the Structure Learning training.

Trial registration

National Institutes of Health U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05611788. Registered on 7 November 2022.

Protocol version

11 May 2023.

SUBMITTER: Liu CL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10422731 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Potential cognitive and neural benefits of a computerised cognitive training programme based on Structure Learning in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Liu Chia-Lun CL Cheng Xiaoqin X Choo Boon Linn BL Hong Min M Teo Jia Li JL Koo Wei Ler WL Tan Jia Yuan Janet JYJ Ubrani Marisha Barth MB Suckling John J Gulyás Balázs B Leong Victoria V Kourtzi Zoe Z Sahakian Barbara B Robbins Trevor T Chen Annabel Shen-Hsing AS

Trials 20230811 1

<h4>Background</h4>Cognitive flexibility refers to the capacity to shift between conceptual representations particularly in response to changes in instruction and feedback. It enables individuals to swiftly adapt to changes in their environment and has significant implications for learning. The present study focuses on investigating changes in cognitive flexibility following an intervention programme-Structure Learning training.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants are pseudo-randomised to either the Tra ...[more]

PMID: 37568212

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Dataset Information

Potential cognitive and neural benefits of a computerised cognitive training programme based on Structure Learning in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Protocol version

Publications

Potential cognitive and neural benefits of a computerised cognitive training programme based on Structure Learning in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

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