Cognitive Training for Brain Injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into the efficacy of cognitive training on cognition in adults with brain injury
IRAS ID
159857
Contact name
Barbara Sahakian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Research summary
Cognitive training is an important and powerful technique that is an effective and safe method for boosting cognition (i.e. the mental actions of processing information, such as reasoning and problem solving) across a range of psychological disorders. These techniques often use computers to ‘train’ participants to respond to mental exercises that can enhance different aspects of cognition. Individuals with brain injury are good candidates for cognitive training as they typically experience loss or damage to several cognitive functions following injury, such as problems with their memory, language and attention. ‘Neurogames’ (i.e. use of a computer to deliver cognitive training) are known for being highly motivational and thus have the potential to offer a fun and exciting treatment option for patients and a more cost effective option for healthcare services. In this project, we aim to develop and implement a novel neurogame (i.e. an App) in individuals with brain injury using hand-held portable devices. Specifically, Phase 1 (Development Phase, n=10) will use feedback from individuals with brain injury to develop a novel neurogame that is fun, easy to use and can be installed on portable devices such as the iPad or iPhone (n = up to 10 participants). Phase 2 (Testing Phase; n=50) will determine whether up to 12-hours of cognitive training (i.e. playing the neurogame) impacts on cognitive function, brain injury-related symptomatology, health, mood, impulsivity and wellbeing in individuals with brain injury. This study will indicate whether portable computer-game-based cognitive training comprises a fruitful avenue for advancements in the treatment of traumatic, non-traumatic and acquired brain injury.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1161
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion