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Abstract:
An internet-based neurocognitive training system was
developed to assess and monitor associative learning and executive
function. It was hypothesized that the associative learning and
executive function training system could be flexible enough in
design to be used for rehabilitative training-induced brain
plasticity in a variety of disorders. The system had four main
exercises: vigilance, divided attention, working memory, and
categorical sorting, each with multiple tasks. Difficulty was
adapted along various parameters including discriminability,
probability, typicality and speed. Patient performance (percent
correct) could be maintained at a preset level. The training system
is novel because it: 1) linked patients from multiple sites to an
extensive web-based demographic, assessment and results database;
2) functioned by individually adapting difficulty levels; 3)
recorded and recalled performance levels daily. In an initial
proof-of-concept test the training exercises were given daily to
patients with schizophrenia. Performance levels achieved through
training in schizophrenics were compared to performance levels in
normal subjects. Results from the test demonstrated the feasibility
of an internet-based dynamic neurocognitive training system and
support future research on its use in psychiatric and neurological
rehabilitation.
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