Research Centre.
Neuropsychology. 2018 Jul;32(5):597-614. doi: 10.1037/neu0000417.
The aims of this study were to assess whether computerized attentional training improves dual-tasking abilities in older adults and whether its effect and transfer are modulated by age and the type of training provided. This study also used virtual reality (VR) as a proxy to measure transfer in a real life related context.
Sixty participants (30 older and 30 younger adults) were randomized to either: (a) single-task training (two tasks practiced in focused attention; visual detection and alphanumeric equation task); or (b) divided attention variable-priority training (varying the amount of attention to put on each task when performed concurrently). Training effects were assessed at pre- and post-training with tasks similar to the one used in training. Transfer was measured with the virtual car ride, an immersive dual-task scenario and a self-reported questionnaire.
In older adults, variable-priority improved attentional control abilities and led to better transfer in the VR dual-task scenario compared with single-task. Younger adults benefited equally from the two types of training and transfer was found on the Alpha span task when performed concurrently in VR. Single-task improved the ability of all participants to carry out the tasks in the focused attention condition. No transfer effects were found on the self-reported measure for either training type or age.
Attention remains plastic in old age and programs designed to improve attentional control might be beneficial to older adults. Importantly, training can produce transfer to more real life related tasks and transfer remains possible throughout the life span. (PsycINFO Database Record
本研究旨在评估计算机化注意训练是否能提高老年人的双重任务能力，以及其效果和转移是否受年龄和所提供训练类型的调节。本研究还使用虚拟现实 (VR) 作为一种代理来衡量与现实生活相关的情境中的转移。
60 名参与者（30 名老年人和 30 名年轻人）被随机分为：（a）单一任务训练（在集中注意力下练习两个任务；视觉检测和数字方程任务）；或（b）分散注意力可变优先级训练（在同时执行时，根据任务的重要性调整注意力的分配）。在训练前后，使用与训练中使用的任务相似的任务评估训练效果。转移通过虚拟乘车、沉浸式双重任务场景和自我报告问卷进行测量。
在老年人中，与单一任务相比，可变优先级训练提高了注意力控制能力，并导致 VR 双重任务场景中的转移更好。年轻人从两种类型的训练中都受益，并且在 VR 中同时进行的 Alpha 跨度任务中发现了转移。单一任务提高了所有参与者在集中注意力条件下执行任务的能力。在自我报告的测量中，无论是哪种训练类型或年龄，都没有发现转移效应。
注意力在老年时仍然具有可塑性，旨在提高注意力控制能力的计划可能对老年人有益。重要的是，训练可以产生对更接近现实生活的任务的转移，并且转移在整个生命周期中仍然是可能的。
