Cognitive Training in the Virtual Reality Setting With Children Undergoing Radiotherapy for Brain Tumors
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The objective of this study is to estimate the feasibility and acceptability of cognitive training in the virtual reality setting with children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors. To achieve this goal, the investigators plan to study children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors randomly assigned to cognitive training administered via an iPad or virtual reality. Both groups will also participate in cognitive testing and exams using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) pre- and post-intervention. The questions to be investigated are: 1. Will cognitive training via virtual reality be feasible and acceptable for children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors as indicated by participation rates, adherence and frequency of side effects? 2. Will cognitive training via virtual reality provide neurocognitive benefits? 3. Will there be predictable changes in brain activity as measured by neuroimaging? Findings from this study will be used to develop a larger, definitive trial with direct potential to improve cognitive outcomes for children treated for cancer using a safe and effective alternative to desktop- or laptop-based computerized cognitive interventions with great promise for improving quality of life.
Description
The objectives of this study are: Primary Objective: • To estimate the participation rate, intervention adherence, and side effects of cognitive training in the virtual reality setting with children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors. Secondary Objectives: * To estimate the effect size of change in cognitive outcomes associated with cognitive training in the virtual reality setting relative to cognitive training on an iPad. * To evaluate patterns of cortical activation (oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin responses) pre- and post- cognitive training in the virtual reality setting…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 8–22 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Initiating radiotherapy for a BT * Between 8-22 years of age at the time of enrollment * English or Spanish as the primary language * Research participant and one parent willing to participate and provide consent/assent according to institutional guidelines * Participant willing to take part in required aspects of Cogmed training Exclusion Criteria: * Significant impairment in global intellectual functioning (estimated or full scale IQ \< 70 based on standardized testing routinely conducted on primary treatment protocols or as part of the New Oncology Program in Psycho…
Interventions
- OtherCognitive training via iPad
Participants will complete five sessions of the Cogmed training program on an iPad. Participants will complete sessions over the course of one to two weeks while on campus for radiotherapy. Each session will take place in the Psychology Clinic and consist of 15 to 20 minutes of Cogmed training.
- OtherCognitive training via virtual reality
Participants will complete five sessions of the Cogmed training program within virtual reality. Participants will complete sessions over the course of one to two weeks while on campus for radiotherapy. Each session will take place in the Psychology Clinic and consist of 15 to 20 minutes of Cogmed training.
Location
- St. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphis, Tennessee