Adaptative computerized cognitive training decreases mental workload during working memory precision task - A preliminary fNIRS study

Landowska, Aleksandra; Wilson, Max L.; Craven, Michael P.; Harrington, Kyle

Abstract

With the growing concern for the health of ageing populations, much research continues to look at the impact of cognitive training, particularly in relation to cognitive decline. We sought to use novel techniques, including augmented reality and portable neurotechnology, to evaluate the impact of a dynamically adjusting cognitive training programme, in comparison to a statically challenging alternative. Before and after an 8-week training period, and at a 5-week follow-up, we used portable functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to examine mental workload in a mixed battery of cognitive and transfer tasks. A recently developed tablet-based task was used to identify changes in cognitive misbinding. Augmented Reality was used to create a supermarket shopping experience, as a more ecologically valid and realistic transfer task relating to an everyday task relating to independence that quickly becomes difficult with cognitive decline. The analyses showed a decreased mental workload within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and that participants considerably increased their performance in the trained task. Some results were maintained at the 5-week follow-up assessment. In terms of transfer, we observed reliable group differences immediately after training completion, which were mainly driven by distinct conditions. Some behavioural memory gains were maintained during the follow-up. The use of novel technologies brought new insights into the effects produced by the dynamic computerised cognitive training programme, which has potential future applications in cognitive decline screening and prevention.

Citation

Landowska, A., Wilson, M. L., Craven, M. P., & Harrington, K. (2024). Adaptative computerized cognitive training decreases mental workload during working memory precision task - A preliminary fNIRS study. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 184, Article 103206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103206

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 13, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-04
• Deposit Date: Jan 14, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 16, 2024
• Journal: International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
• Print ISSN: 1071-5819
• Electronic ISSN: 1095-9300
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 184
• Article Number: 103206
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103206
• Keywords: Mental workload, fNIRS, Computerised, cognitive training, HCI, Augmented reality, Prefrontal cortex, Working memory
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/29000816
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S107158192300215X?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Adaptative computerized cognitive training decreases mental workload during working memory precision task - A preliminary fNIRS study; Journal Title: International Journal of Human-Computer Studies; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103206; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2024 University of Nottingham. Published by Elsevier Ltd.