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Potential cognitive and neural benefits of a computerised cognitive training programme based on Structure Learning in healthy adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Cheng, Xiaoqin 
Choo, Boon Linn 
Hong, Min 
Teo, Jia Li 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cognitive flexibility refers to the capacity to shift between conceptual representations particularly in response to changes in instruction and feedback. It enables individuals to swiftly adapt to changes in their environment and has significant implications for learning. The present study focuses on investigating changes in cognitive flexibility following an intervention programme-Structure Learning training. METHODS: Participants are pseudo-randomised to either the Training or Control group, while matched on age, sex, intelligence and cognitive flexibility performance. In the Training group, participants undergo around 2 weeks of training (at least 13 sessions) on Structure Learning. In the Control group, participants do not have to undergo any training and are never exposed to the Structure Learning task. The effects of Structure Learning training are investigated at both the behavioural and neural level. We measured covariates that can influence an individual's training performance before the training phase and outcome measures that can potentially show training benefits after the training phase. At the behavioural level, we investigated outcomes in both cognitive and social aspects with a primary focus on executive functions. At the neural level, we employed a multimodality approach and investigated potential changes to functional connectivity patterns, neurometabolite concentration in the frontal brain regions, and brain microstructure and myelination. DISCUSSION: We reported the development of a novel training programme based on Structure Learning that aims to hone a general learning ability to potentially achieve extensive transfer benefits across various cognitive constructs. Potential transfer benefits can be exhibited through better performance in outcome measures between Training and Control participants, and positive associations between training performance and outcomes after the training in Training participants. Moreover, we attempt to substantiate behavioural findings with evidence of neural changes across different imaging modalities by the Structure Learning training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: National Institutes of Health U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05611788. Registered on 7 November 2022. PROTOCOL VERSION: 11 May 2023.

Description

Acknowledgements: The authors would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all past and present student research assistants under CLIC WP0.2 who tirelessly helped with data collection and data entry. The authors would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all participants who generously dedicated their time to contribute to our study.


Funder: National Research Foundation Singapore; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001381

Keywords

Cognitive flexibility, Exploitation, Exploration, Intervention, Magnetic resonance imaging, Neuropsychological model of cognitive flexibility, Statistical learning, Structure learning, Humans, Adult, Cognitive Training, Learning, Brain, Executive Function, Cognition, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Journal Title

Trials

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1745-6215
1745-6215

Volume Title

24

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
National Research Foundation Singapore (via Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES)) (NRF-CLIC)
Wellcome Trust (205067/Z/16/Z)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/P021255/1)
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