Efficacy of the MovinCog Intervention in Children

University of Auckland, New Zealand1,000 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to test the efficacy of the MovinCog Intervention to enhance cognitive abilities in children 7-15 yrs. The intervention consists of two parts: a physical exercise regimen, based on high-intensity training, and a cognitive training component. The design will contrast the intervention with an active control group, matched for expectancy effects.

Specifically, the investigators will compare both components together (exercise and cognitive training) against either one of the components (exercise alone, or cognitive training alone) and against an active control group. The study will include measures of scholastic aptitude, as well as of working memory and cognitive control (primary outcome measures), two cognitive abilities that are critical to daily life activities, and that respond well to training. In addition, the investigators will measure physiological responses to training, to monitor changes associated with exercise (secondary outcome measures). Finally, the investigators will relate training-specific improvements with transfer gains, to better model the interaction between training and transfer. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics associated with the intervention.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

1,000

Conditions

Learning Disorders Learning Disabilities Cognitive Change

Interventions

ExerciseBEHAVIORAL

Exercise

CognitiveBEHAVIORAL

Cognitive

Active controlBEHAVIORAL

Active control, including a blend of computer games, board games, quizzes, trivia

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 7 YearsMax age: 15 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 7-15 Exclusion Criteria: * Age outside inclusion criteria * History of seizures, brain trauma

Locations (1)

University of Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline working memory capacity at 10 weeks

Constructs measured by multiple tasks (bds, corsi, n-back)

Time frame: Baseline and 10-week posttest

Change from baseline cognitive control at 10 weeks

Constructs measured by multiple tasks (flanker, go/no-go, stroop)

Time frame: Baseline and 10-week posttest

Change from baseline scholastic aptitude at 10 weeks

Constructs measured by multiple national (New Zealand), standardized tests

Time frame: Baseline and 10-week posttest

Secondary Outcomes

Change from baseline resting heart rate at 10 weeks

Measured by monitor

Time frame: Baseline and 10-week posttest

BDNF polymorphism measured by genetic saliva kit

Effect of BDNF polymorphism on primary outcomes

Time frame: Baseline

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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