Cerebral Reorganization in Schizophrenia

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study is to reveal the specific effects of computer-aided cognitive training on cerebral reorganization in schizophrenia

Detailed Description
-----------------
Impairment in cognitive functions is one of the main symptoms in schizophrenia and is currently one of the challenges in the treatment of the disease. In this study we compare effects of two computer-aided training programs. One focused on auditory perception and processing as a basic ability underlying higher order information processing. The other training focus on facial affect discrimination and working memory. Both trainings are computer-aided and time-intensive, including up to twenty sessions within four weeks.

Official Title
-----------------
Training-induced Cerebral Reorganization in Schizophrenia

Conditions
-----------------
Schizophrenia

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Brain Fitness & Brain Training- Posit Science
* Behavioral: Facial Affect Training- FAT
* Behavioral: Treatment as usual


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia and disorders with psychotic features Intact auditory perception Intact visual perception Exclusion Criteria: Mental retardation Age over 60 Insufficient German language knowledge

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

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


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Auditiory verbal discrimination training<br>Brain Fitness & Brain Training- Posit Science | Behavioral: Brain Fitness & Brain Training- Posit Science<br>* Computer aided cognitive program designed for intensive training of auditory perception, memory and attention<br>|
| Experimental: Facial affect discrimination training<br>Behavioral: Facial Affect Training- FAT | Behavioral: Facial Affect Training- FAT<br>* Computer-aided cognitive program designed for intensive training of facial affect discrimination, memory and attention<br>|
| Active Comparator: Treatment as usual<br>standard treatment/rehabilitation protocol of schizophrenia ward | Behavioral: Treatment as usual<br>* standard treatment protocol of schizophrenia ward<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| change from baseline at post-intervention (4-weeks) and 3-months in each to the primary outcome measures: neuropsychological test scores (MCCB), MEG alpha oscillations |  | baseline, post-intervention (after 4 weeks), 3-months follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| change from baseline in global functioning (GAF score) at 4 weeks and 3 months |  | baseline, post-intervention, 3-months follow-up | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
MEG, Cognitive Training, Neuroplasticity, MATRICS