Understanding Mediating and Moderating Factors That Determine Transfer of Working Memory Training in Adolescents
Northeastern University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate how different approaches to executive function (like adding game-like features, varying the number of tasks, and providing coaching) can enhance executive function outcomes in adolescents with and without ADHD. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What components of executive function training contribute most to improving outcomes? * How do training components vary in their impacts on adolescents diagnosed with ADHD compared to those without a diagnosis? * What individual characteristics influence the effectiveness of executive function training? Researchers will test six different training setups to examine which setups are the most effective for different people. They will evaluate both how well participants follow the training schedule and whether there are changes in psychological and cognitive outcomes after training. Participants will complete: * 40 training sessions over 4 weeks * A set of tests and surveys before and after the training * Follow-up assessments and surveys 6 months after finishing the training
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 12-17 years old. * Child must have a caregiver (parent/guardian) who is available to participate as a training aide. * Child and parent/caregiver are able to understand/speak adequate English or Spanish to follow and participate in study procedures * Both child and parent/guardian are willing to give informed consent/assent, be randomized to either intervention condition, and be willing to follow the assigned study protocol. * \~50% of the participants: Meet criteria for ADHD DSM-5 diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria: * Child is taking ADHD medication/stimulants. * Child has…
Interventions
- BehavioralNongamified N-back training
This Single Task Training is an adaptive N-back task in which participants respond to colors and/or shapes.
- BehavioralGamified N-back training
Participants train on a gamified version of the N-back task, specifically, players control an astronaut that collects resources (target stimuli) needed to feed a colony and keep the technology working, while avoiding non-targets and other obstacles.
- BehavioralMultiple Domain Training
Participants train on a gamified versions of the N-back task, Complex span, Set-shifting and Inhibitory control task.
- BehavioralNongamified N-back training
This Single Task Training trains a visual, adaptive N-back task in which participants respond to colors and/or shapes.
- BehavioralCoaching Session
Participants in coaching conditions receive weekly, motivational coaching sessions via videoconference to (i) provide encouragement taking into account individual training performance and self-reported engagement (strength-based feedback), (ii) set realistic goals for training (time management, scheduling, and session completion plan, performance goals) while emphasizing autonomy and choice, and (iii) re-explain task and provide corrective feedback as needed.
Location
- Northeastern UniversityBoston, Massachusetts