Short-term Working Memory and Executive Training

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Cognitive remediation (CR) therapies refer to a number of recent developments to use behavioural strategies to improve neurocognitive abilities and improve everyday functioning in mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. In this study, we aim to examine whether we can observe CR effects on measures of neuroplasticity, cognition, and functioning when using a rigorous control comparison group. We hypothesize that the active group will exhibit improvements in executive functioning composite scores, improved EEG theta-gamma frequency modulation, and increased EEG alpha power compared to the placebo group.

Official Title
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Short-Term Executive Functioning Training

Conditions
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Psychotic Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Executive Function Training
* Behavioral: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: diagnosis of a chronic mental disorder (defined herein as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder) between the ages of 18 and 65 speak and read fluent English able to use a computer Exclusion Criteria: active substance abuse or dependence diagnosis sensory or motor issues that would preclude completion of study procedures enrollment in a cognitive remediation program or use of cognitive training programs (e.g. lumosity.com) within the past 6 months

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Executive Function Training<br>Two weeks of training of cognitive domain of executive functioning Using online program (Scientific Brain Training Pro) Four exercises | Behavioral: Executive Function Training<br> <br> |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo Training<br>Two weeks of training with exercises not affecting working memory, information processing speed, or cognitive load Exercises maintain other traditional progressive aspects to preserve appearance of dynamic titration of difficulty levels Using online program (Scientific Brain Training Pro) Four exercises | Behavioral: Placebo<br>* Placebo version of executive function training<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline executive functioning composite score at post-treatment assessment | Composite score based on four tests of cognition | Pre-training assessment (Week 1) and post-training assessment (Week 4) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline EEG theta-gamma frequency modulation at post-treatment assessment | Predicted to improve in active CR (cognitive remediation) condition compared to placebo CR | Pre-training assessment (Week 1) and post-training assessment (Week 4) | 
| Change from baseline EEG alpha power at post-treatment assessment | Predicted to increase in active CR (cognitive remediation) condition compared to placebo CR | Pre-training assessment (Week 1) and post-training assessment (Week 4) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Neuropsychology, EEG, Neurological Disorders, Neuroscience, Cognitive remediation, Cognitive Response