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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02429739

Working Memory Training for Children With Dyslexia

The main aim of this interventional study is to investigate whether the effects of computerized working memory training improves reading abilities for children, i.e. ages 9 - 16 years, diagnosed with dyslexia.

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Key information

Conditions

Dyslexia Communication Disorders Language Disorders Learning Disabilities Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Specific Learning Disorder

Age range

9 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sorlandet Hospital

Arendal, Aust-Agder, 4801, Norway

About this study

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills. It is characterized by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual's other cognitive abilities. Phonological processing deficit is well established as one of the main causes of dyslexia. Working memory (WM) is today considered to be a cognitive system that strongly relates to a person's ability to think and learn. Over the last decade an increasing body of evidence indicates that WM deficits may cause particular problems for individuals with dyslexia. This is consistent with many of the every day problems reported by dyslexics and those around them. WM deficits are frequent in children with reading deficits. A major question is whether the WM impairment is secondary to phonological core deficit affecting the phonological loop only, or caused by an additional deficit involving central executive. Exploratory findings from fMRI studies indicates that impaired WM processes in dyslexia have a unique neuronal signature which may be associated with central executive processes. However there are conflicting findings and further studies are needed.

The children in the study, all diagnosed with dyslexia, will be divided into two subgroups (16/16 children). They are randomly allocated to either the adaptive training group or the treatment as usual control group after the baseline assessment. Both groups will meet for baseline testing and re-testing 4 weeks after completed training. Those that serve as non-trained controls will be offered to participate in training after completion of the study.

The intervention in this study aim to increase WM of children with dyslexia. We hypothesise that intensive computerized working memory training will improve reading fluency, speed and comprehension for children with dyslexia.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Dyslexia

Exclusion criteria

  • Mental retardation (IQ below 70)

Treatment and study plan

Working memory training

Behavioral

The child will use the computer program at home under parental supervision for 25 sessions, each lasting 30 - 45 minutes and the family has 6 weeks to complete the training. Each session consist 8 different tasks presented by an animated robot. The tasks all require the child to hold information in working memory and to manipulate the information.

Other name: Cogmed RoboMemo

Primary outcomes

  1. Reading fluency, comprehension and speed

    Time frame: Change from Baseline assessment to follow-up testing in 14 weeks

    LOGOS (http://www.logos-test.no) is a standardized Norwegian computerized test for reading processes. 6 subtest; reading fluency, reading comprehension, word recognition, phonological reading, orthographic reading, rapid naming of common objects

Secondary outcomes

  1. Working Memory Capacity

    Time frame: Change from Baseline assessment to follow-up testing in 14 week

    WISC-IV: The sum of letter-number sequences and Digit Span, WMS-III Spatial Span, Språk 6-16 (Standardized Norwegian Screening-test for Language Impairment (Ottem &frost, 2011)Subtest: Sentence memory

Other outcomes

  1. Executive function

    Time frame: Before and after training period of 5 weeks

    The ADHD Rating Scale-IV

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sorlandet Hospital HF

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Computerized Working Memory Training for Children With Dyslexia

Important dates

Study start
2014
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Apr 29, 2015
Registry last updated
Apr 26, 2016

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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