A tablet computer-based cognitive training program for young children with cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background:Evidences suggest that cognitive training facilitates cognitive function, and most studies have targeted adults and children older than 4 years of age. This study investigated the applicability and efficacy of a tablet computer-based cognitive training program for young children with cognitive impairment of cognitive age between 18 and 36 months.Methods:Thirty-eight children were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 20, administered a tablet computer-based cognitive training program, for 30 minutes per session and twice a week over a period of 12 weeks) and control (n = 18, received the traditional rehabilitation program) groups. Mental scale of Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID II), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), interest/persistence domain of the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (LAP-TAB), Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ), and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of therapeutic intervention.Results:The tablet computer-based cognitive training program was applicable to all children in the intervention group without any problems including irritable behavior or obsession about a tablet computer. After 12 weeks, Mental scale of BSID II, PEDI (social function), LAB-TAB (observation), LAB-TAB (manipulation), and GAS showed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group, compared with the values in the control group (P < .05). After adjusting for the pre-treatment measurements and cognitive age, the tablet computer-based cognitive training program had significant effect on the post-treatment measurements of Mental scale of BSID II, PEDI (social function), LAB-TAB (observation), LAB-TAB (manipulation), and GAS (P