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Effects of cognitive speed of processing training on a composite neuropsychological outcome: results at one-year from the IHAMS randomized controlled trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2015

Fredric D. Wolinsky ,
Mark W. Vander Weg ,
M. Bryant Howren ,
Michael P. Jones  and
Megan M. Dotson
Fredric D. Wolinsky*
Affiliation:
John W. Colloton Chair of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Mark W. Vander Weg
Affiliation:
Investigator, Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA HealthCare System, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
M. Bryant Howren
Affiliation:
Investigator, Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA HealthCare System, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Michael P. Jones
Affiliation:
Professor of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Megan M. Dotson
Affiliation:
Project Coordinator, College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Fredric D. Wolinsky, John W. Colloton Chair of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. Phone: +319-384-3821; Fax: +319-384-4371. Email: fredric-wolinsky@uiowa.edu.
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Abstract

Background:

Age-related cognitive decline is common and well-documented. Cognitive speed of processing training (SOPT) has been shown to improve trained abilities (Useful Field of View; UFOV), but transfer to individual non-trained cognitive outcomes or neuropsychological composites is sparse. We examine the effects of SOPT on a composite of six equally weighted tests – UFOV, Trail-making A and B, Symbol Digit Modality, Controlled Oral Word Association, Stroop Color and Word, and Digit Vigilance.

Methods:

681 patients were randomized separately within two age-bands (50–64, ≥ 65) to three SOPT groups (10 initial hours on-site, 10 initial hours on-site plus 4 hours of boosters, or 10 initial hours at-home) or an attention-control group (10 initial hours on-site of crossword puzzles). At one-year, 587 patients (86.2%) had complete data. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used.

Results:

Factor analysis revealed a simple unidimensional structure with Cronbach's α of 0.82. The time effect was statistically significant (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.246), but the time by treatment group (p = 0.331), time by age-band (p = 0.463), and time by treatment group by age-band (p = 0.564) effects were not.

Conclusion:

Compared to the attention-control group who played a computerized crossword puzzle game, assignment to 10–14 hours of SOPT did not significantly improve a composite measure of cognitive abilities.

Keywords

cognitive trainingcognitive assessmentrandomized controlled trialgeriatric medicinehealth aging
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , February 2016 , pp. 317 - 330
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2015 

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