Applicability of a new internet-based cognitive training program: implementation and effectiveness of the go/no-go task
Date
2015
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tartu Ülikool
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness and applicability of a
cognitive training based on a computerized Go/no-go task on inhibitory control, processing
speed and executive control in young adults. Eleven individuals between the ages of 19-26
participated in a four-week long training, thirteen same age peers were recruited in a passive
control group. In the beginning of the study all participants from training and control group
were assessed with Trail Making Test (TMT) to specify the pre-testing level of inhibitory
control, executive control and processing speed. After initial assessment participants from the
training group performed short computerized Go/no-go task trainings five times a week
during a four-week period whereas control group participants were on a passive waiting-list.
After four weeks both training and control group participants were again assessed with TMT.
The results showed that training on a Go/no-go task has a significant positive effect on
inhibitory control – within four weeks inhibitory control had improved by 24% in the training
group. Nonsignificant improvements in executive control were also notable in the training
group. The processing speed of the training group individuals did not seem to either improve
nor decline. Control group individuals however, performed significantly faster after four
weeks during the re-testing. In conclusion, inhibitory control, a core component of executive
functioning and an important contributor to overall well-being, academic and social
functioning and quality of life, could be improved with our four-week long computerized
training with Go/no-go tasks.