The Efficacy of the Computer-Based Multi-Domain Cognitive Training Program on the Cognitive Performance of Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: There has been great interest in using computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) to prevent or reduce pathological and normal age-related cognitive decline. This study was carried out to examine the efficacy of a CBCT program on the cognitive functions of healthy older adults. An online CBCT program provided exercises for five cognitive domains. Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, the experimental group (EG) (EG, n=28) implemented CBCT while the comparison group (CG) (CG, n=31) was given standard services. Participants completed approximately 30-minute sessions over the course of eight weeks for a total of 24 sessions. Data were collected using the mini mental state examination, Oktem Verbal Memory Processes test (OVMPT), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) Visual Reproduction Subtest, WMS-R digit span forward and backward tests, verbal fluency tasks (category and phonemic), Stroop test Çapa form, Trail Making test (TMT) (part A and B), Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test (JLO), Benton Facial Recognition test, and the 15-item version of the Boston Naming test. The data were examined using number, percentage, arithmetic mean, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Paired Sample t-test, and Wilcoxon test. Results: The EG showed greater improvements than CG on verbal memory (OVMPT, z=-3.386, p=0.001) and effect was moderate (r=-0.4524). EG significantly improved simple attention in WMS-R digit span forward (z=-1.995, p=0.046) with a low effect (r=-0.2665). EG showed significantly differences in verbal fluency tasks (category: z=-3.152, p=0.002, phonemic: z=-2.859, p=0.004) with low effects (r=-0.4212, r=-0.3820, respectively) and set shifting (TMT A: z=-2.906, p=0.004) with low effect (r=-0.3883). The EG group improved visuospatial functions for JLO (z=-2.894, p=0.004) with moderate effect (r=-0.3867). Conclusion: It is recommended that CBCT can be used for improving several cognitive domains of healthy older adults.