Investigating the effects of cognitive training on attention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Progressive home-based Working Memory and Attention Training following Stroke, implications for spatial bias: A preliminary Study.
IRAS ID
150538
Contact name
Tom Manly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Research summary
Cognitive problems, including in attention and working memory, are common consequences of stroke. Some studies in other clinical groups suggest that progressive computerized training (i.e. training exercises that become more challenging as performance improves) can enhance cognitive function not simply on the exercises that people have practiced, but more generally. In this study we aim to recruit people who have had a stroke and randomly allocate them to one of three conditions; home-based on-line working memory training, a similar training programme focused on attention skills; or a waiting list control group. All participants will be first assessed on a range of cognitive tasks and questionnaires about everyday function. These assessments will be repeated after the 4-weeks of training/waiting list and again at a 3 month follow-up. Participants in the training groups will be asked to try to complete 20 minutes per working day (Mon-Fri) over the 4-weeks. Participants in the waiting list study will be allocated to one of the active training conditions after the follow-up. In addition to the relative efficacy of the training programmes compared with the waiting list condition, the study will examine the feasibility of recruitment, the acceptability of the interventions to participants and other factors that will inform a definitive trial if the results are positive.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/0149
Date of REC Opinion
16 May 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion