Does Computerized Cognitive Training Improve Executive Functioning in the Older Adult?
Public ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT03170492. Field values are reproduced from the official study page; the official ClinicalTrials.gov record remains the source of truth for eligibility, enrollment, and contact information.
Data is sourced from official ClinicalTrials.gov public API records. Always review the official ClinicalTrials.gov record for the latest information.
Brief summary
Reproduced verbatim from the official ClinicalTrials.gov record. Not medical advice.
Explanation of the study: As the older adult population continues to rise, so will normal cognitive aging. This increase raises concern for maintaining cognitive function and possibly delaying the onset of disorders such as dementia. Cognitive training (CT) is one potential solution which may be done using computer programs, pencil-and-paper problem solving activities, or everyday tasks. Traditional, skilled occupational therapy (OT) is not reimbursed for this type of preventative or maintenance services. CT may be a fundable answer for older adults to maintain or even improve cognitive function. The purpose is to determine if computerized CT, utilizing a specific program (RehaCom), improves executive functioning in the older adult with mild cognitive impairment, as compared to pencil-and-paper CT. How study is performed: Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will complete a 9-question demographic survey and pre-test standardized cognitive tests. The experimental group will complete RehaCom computer training and the control group will complete paper-and-pencil based training. All trainings will take place at Mercy LIFE and will be conducted by trained OT students. Subjects will complete a total of 480 minutes of training over a 12-week period, within 30 to 60 minutes sessions. After the 480 minutes of training, subjects will complete the cognitive post-tests. How data is collected, de-identified and analyzed: Participants who enroll will be assigned a code number linked to their first and last name. This coding will de-identify participants before analyzing or reporting. All signed forms, data collected, and data identified will be kept in a locked cabinet in the researcher's office. All stored files will be shredded one year after the study. Interventions/tests/medications: Computerized CT: RehaCom is a computer program that was designed to assist cognitive rehabilitation. The program targets attention, concentration, memory, perception, and problem-solving, with trainings lasting for a total of 480 minutes over 12 weeks. Pencil-and-paper CT: Various pencil-and-paper exercises to improve attention, concentration, memory, language, and orientation will be used. Such exercises may include word puzzles, calculation or number puzzles, and map reading, for a total of 480 minutes of training over 12 weeks. Potential risks: Risks of feeling segregated are minimal, as all members have been offered the opportunity to use the site's computer room. Risks may include cognitive fatigue (in both groups) or overstimulation during computer use. Breaks will be given at any sign of these symptoms. There is a small possibility that the participant may become too overwhelmed or stressed with the cognitive training. Upon notice of these symptoms, activities will cease immediately. Potential and expected benefits: Participants may gain a greater insight into cognitive abilities and improvement of executive functioning skills. Increased knowledge on effects of using cognitive software in a community-based setting may also occur. Mercy LIFE will receive the benefit of continued use of the RehaCom software and laptop as the equipment will be left at the site. Additionally, these findings may help other community-based sites incorporate specific cognitive training for other older adults.
Study identification
- NCT ID
- NCT03170492
- Recruitment status
- Not listed
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Enrollment
- 20 participants
Conditions and interventions
Conditions
Interventions
- RehaCom Computerized Cognitive Training for 480 minutes Other
- Pencil-and-Paper Cognitive Training for 480 minutes Other
Other
Eligibility (public fields only)
- Age range
- 55 Years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepts healthy volunteers
This page does not interpret eligibility. Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria are on the official ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Study timeline
- Start date
- Jan 29, 2017
- Primary completion
- Nov 2, 2017
- Completion
- Jul 30, 2018
- Last update posted
- Nov 5, 2017
2017 – 2018
United States locations
- U.S. sites
- 1
- U.S. states
- 1
- U.S. cities
- 1
| Facility | City | State | ZIP | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy LIFE- West Philadelphia | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 18049 | — |
Site contact phone numbers, emails, and investigator names are intentionally not displayed here. Open the official ClinicalTrials.gov record for site contact information.
About this trial record page
- What this page shows
- Public field values for ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT03170492, including study identification, conditions, interventions, eligibility (age, sex, healthy volunteer), timeline, and U.S. site list.
- What this page does not do
- No medical advice, eligibility judgments, treatment recommendations, study quality scoring, or AI-generated medical summaries. No site contact phone numbers, emails, or investigator names.
- Where the data comes from
- Sourced from the official ClinicalTrials.gov public API. The official record is the source of truth.
- Last refresh
- Last update posted Nov 5, 2017 · Synced Sep 5, 2026
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Open the official record
The complete protocol, eligibility criteria, and contact information for NCT03170492 live on ClinicalTrials.gov.