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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT00586638

Training Cognitive Control Processes in Older Adults

Control processes are classes of brain activity that initiate, coordinate, synchronize, and regulate elemental cognitive functions for the conduct of goal-directed behavior. The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Neurologic Manifestations Cognition Disorders Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurocognitive Disorders Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

60 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Columbia University Medical Center

New York, 10032, United States

About this study

The proposed research investigates whether exposure to a computer-based training protocol designed to enhance cognitive control processes will improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Cognitively normal adults aged 60-75 will be randomized into three experimental groups: 1) Video game play with training strategy; 2) Video game play without training strategy (Active Control); 3) Minimal contact (Passive Control). Subjects in Groups 1 and 2 will be instructed to play the complex, high-demand video game, Space Fortress, for 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks. Subjects in Group 3 will receive all assessments but will not play the computer game.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 60-75
  • Willingness to adhere to training protocol
  • Adequate English proficiency

Exclusion criteria

  • Known history of cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, seizure disorder, or other neuropsychiatric condition judged to impact cognitive performance
  • Taking medications known to influence cognitive performance
  • Sensory (e.g. visual, auditory) or physical (e.g. severe arthritic, orthopedic, neurologic) impairment incompatible with use of a standard computer workstation.
  • Enrolled in a concurrent study that could affect the outcome of this study

Treatment and study plan

Video game based training

Behavioral

36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Neuropsychological testing

    Time frame: Week 1, 12, 24

  2. Cognitive-experimental tasks

    Time frame: Week 1, 6, 12, 24

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Columbia University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Pilot Study Using a Video Game to Train Cognitive Control Processes in Healthy Older Adults

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2010
First posted
Jan 4, 2008
Registry last updated
Aug 5, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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