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A novel, online social cognitive training program for young adults with schizophrenia: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Pervasive social cognition deficits are evident early in the course of schizophrenia and are directly linked to functional outcome, making them an important target for intervention. Here, we tested the feasibility of use, and initiated the evaluation of efficacy, of a novel, neuroplasticity-based online training program (SocialVille) in young adults with schizophrenia. METHODS:Schizophrenia patients (n=17) completed 24 hours of online SocialVille game play either from home or at a clinic, over a 6-10 week period. We examined training feasibility, gains on the SocialVille exercises relative to matched healthy controls (n=17), and changes on measures of social cognition, social functioning, global functioning and motivation. RESULTS:Subjects adhered to training requirements, and rated SocialVille in the medium to high range in satisfaction, enjoyment, and ease of use. Subjects demonstrated significant, large improvements on the speeded SocialVille tasks, and small to moderate improvements on the working memory tasks. Post-training performance on the SocialVille tasks were similar to initial performance of the healthy controls. Subjects also showed improvements on standard measures of social cognition, social functioning, and motivation. No improvements were recorded for emotion recognition indices on the MSCEIT, or on quality of life scales. CONCLUSION:This study provides an initial proof of concept for online social cognition training in schizophrenia. This form of training demonstrated feasibility and resulted in within-subject gains in social functioning and motivation. This pilot study represents a first step towards validating this training approach; randomized controlled trials, now underway, are designed to confirm and extend these findings.

SUBMITTER: Nahum M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4175473 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A novel, online social cognitive training program for young adults with schizophrenia: A pilot study.

Nahum Mor M Fisher Melissa M Loewy Rachel R Poelke Gina G Ventura Joseph J Nuechterlein Keith H KH Hooker Christine I CI Green Michael F MF Merzenich Mike M Vinogradov Sophia S

Schizophrenia research. Cognition 20140301 1

<h4>Background</h4>Pervasive social cognition deficits are evident early in the course of schizophrenia and are directly linked to functional outcome, making them an important target for intervention. Here, we tested the feasibility of use, and initiated the evaluation of efficacy, of a novel, neuroplasticity-based online training program (SocialVille) in young adults with schizophrenia.<h4>Methods</h4>Schizophrenia patients (n=17) completed 24 hours of online SocialVille game play either from h ...[more]

PMID: 25267937

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Project description:Objective: Physical and cognitive impairments are common with aging and often coexist. Changes in the level of physical and mental activity are prognostic for adverse health events and falls. Dual-task (DT) training programs that can improve mobility and cognition simultaneously can bring significant improvements in rehabilitation. The objective of this mixed methods exploratory RCT was to provide evidence for the feasibility and therapeutic value of a novel game-assisted DT exercise program in older adults. Methods: Twenty-two community dwelling participants, between the ages of 70-85 were randomized to either dual-task treadmill walking (DT-TR) or dual-task recumbent bicycle (DT-RC). Both groups viewed a standard LED computer monitor and performed a range of cognitive game tasks while walking or cycling; made possible with the use of a "hands-free", miniature, inertial-based computer mouse. Participants performed their respective 1-h DT exercise program twice a week, for 12 weeks at a community fitness centre. Semi-structured interviews and qualitative analysis was conducted to evaluate the participant's experiences with the exercise program. Quantitative analysis included measures of standing balance, gait function (spatiotemporal gait variable), visuomotor and executive cognitive function, tested under single and DT walking conditions. Results: Compliance was 100% for all 22 participants. Four themes captured the range of participant's experiences and opinions: 1) reasons for participation, 2) difficulties with using the technologies, 3) engagement with the computer games, and 4) positive effects of the program. Both groups showed significant improvements in standing balance performance, visuomotor and visuospatial executive function. However, significant improvement in dual task gait function was observed only in the DT-TR group. Medium to large effect sizes were observed for most balance, spatiotemporal gait variables, and cognitive performance measure. Conclusion: With only minor difficulties with the technology being reported, the findings demonstrate feasible trial procedures and acceptable DT oriented training with a high compliance rate and positive outcomes. These findings support further research and development, and will direct the next phase of a full-scale RCT.

Project description:BACKGROUND:Pain is a common public health concern, and the pain situation among the general population is serious in mainland China. Working adults commonly experience pain because of long sitting times, a lack of free time, and exercise. A lack of pain-related knowledge is also a significant factor. Educational and therapeutic programs delivered online were used more often in Western countries, and accessible programs in China are limited, especially for pain management. Therefore, we carried out an online pain education program for working adults to self-manage pain. The program was delivered through WeChat, a popular and secure social media with a large population base in China. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to (1) provide pain-related knowledge and self-relief strategies, (2) help participants reduce pain and improve pain-related emotional well-being, and (3) explore participants' learning performance and the acceptability of the online pain education program. METHODS:This was a randomized controlled trial. Chinese adults aged between 16 and 60 years with full-time employment, with pain in the past 6 months, and without any mental illness were recruited using snowball sampling through the internet and were randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group in 1:1 ratio after the baseline assessment. The 4-week educational program that included basic knowledge of pain, pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, and related resources was provided only to the experimental group. Outcomes of pain, depression, anxiety, stress, and pain self-efficacy were measured at baseline (T0), posttreatment (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2). Participants' acceptability and satisfaction were explored after completing the educational program. RESULTS:In total, 95 eligible participants joined in the program: 47 in the experimental group and 48 in the control group. Neck and shoulder, head, and back were most commonly reported pain sites with high pain scores. Pain intensity and interference of the experimental group were significantly reduced after the educational program. Depression, anxiety, and stress clinically improved and pain self-efficacy improved after the educational program. The difference in depression, anxiety, stress, and pain self-efficacy within a group or between groups was not statistically significant; however, clinical improvements were demonstrated. A significant correlation between dosage of the intervention and pain intensity and depression was demonstrated. After completing the educational program, more than half of the participants showed acceptance of and satisfaction with the program, and they were willing to recommend the program to others. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings highlight the significant potential of this online education program in the treatment of pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03952910; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03952910.

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A novel, online social cognitive training program for young adults with schizophrenia: A pilot study.

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A novel, online social cognitive training program for young adults with schizophrenia: A pilot study.

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