Psychology and Human Development, University College London Institute of Education, London, United Kingdom.
Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2022 Jul-Sep;11(3):373-382. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2020.1854094. Epub 2020 Dec 8.
Executive function (EF) is comprised of inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility, core components which more complex skills and abilities develop from, including problem solving, reasoning and planning. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) negatively impact the development of these skills and in turn life outcomes. This pilot-study explores the use of computerized cognitive training applications (CCTA) (software-based training programs) in school, to improve these skills in children aged 6-11 with ACE. A pre-post-test, between-subject experimental design using an experimental and a placebo-control group was used. The control group were matched to the experimental group by prior academic attainment level and age. A one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) assessed changes in EF across two time-points between the experimental and the control group. Both groups of participants were selected based on an ACE parent-report questionnaire score of 4+ ( = 32). EF was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), assessing far-transfer of training to behavioral measures of EF. Results show CCTA had a significant positive impact on executive function, particularly on working memory. This small-scale pilot study presents exciting directions for future research into the role of CCTA in order to confirm conclusions drawn.
执行功能（EF）由抑制控制、工作记忆和认知灵活性组成，这些是更复杂的技能和能力发展的核心组成部分，包括解决问题、推理和规划。不良的童年经历（ACE）会对这些技能的发展产生负面影响，进而影响生活结果。本试点研究探讨了在学校中使用计算机认知训练应用程序（CCTA）（基于软件的培训计划）来提高 6-11 岁有 ACE 的儿童的这些技能。采用实验组和安慰剂对照组的前后测试、被试间实验设计。对照组通过先前的学业成绩水平和年龄与实验组相匹配。单因素多元协方差分析（MANCOVA）评估了实验组和对照组在两个时间点之间 EF 的变化。两组参与者均根据 ACE 家长报告问卷评分 4+（ = 32）进行选择。使用行为评定量表的执行功能（BRIEF）评估 EF 的远迁移，对执行功能进行测量。结果表明，CCTA 对执行功能有显著的积极影响，特别是对工作记忆。这项小规模的试点研究为 CCTA 在未来研究中的作用提供了令人兴奋的方向，以确认得出的结论。
