Computerized Working Memory Training Improves Function in Adolescents Born at Extremely Low Birth Weight

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 158; no. 4; pp. 555 - 561.e4
• Main Authors: Løhaugen, Gro C.C., Antonsen, Ida, Håberg, Asta, Gramstad, Arne, Vik, Torstein, Brubakk, Ann-Mari, Skranes, Jon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maryland Heights, MO Mosby, Inc 01.04.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; adolescents; Biological and medical sciences; Developmental Disabilities; Diseases of mother, fetus and pregnancy; Follow-Up Studies; General aspects; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; infants; low birth weight; Medical sciences; memory; Memory, Short-Term; Neuropsychological Tests; Pediatrics; Pregnancy. Fetus. Placenta; Programmed Instruction as Topic; Programmed Instructions as Topic; Social Class; Verbal Learning; SES; ADHD; SD; NICU; ELBW; Extremely low birth weight; Socioeconomic status; Neonatal intensive care unit; Standard deviation; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Human; Premature; Pediatrics; Pregnancy disorders; Extremely low birthweight; Birth; Very low birthweight; Newborn diseases; Improvement; Prematurity; Adolescent; Working memory; Computerization
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.09.060

To evaluate the effect of a computerized working memory training program on both trained and non-trained verbal aspects of working memory and executive and memory functions in extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants. Sixteen ELBW infants and 19 term-born control subjects aged 14 to 15 years participated in the training program, and 11 adolescents were included as a non-intervention group. Extensive neuropsychological assessment was performed before and immediately after training and at a 6-month follow-up examination. Both training groups used the CogMed RM program at home 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Both groups improved significantly on trained and non-trained working memory tasks and on other memory tests indicating a generalizing effect. Working memory capacity was improved, and effects were maintained at the 6-month follow-up examination. There was no significant improvement in the non-intervention group at the 6-week follow-up examination. The computerized training program Cogmed RM was an effective intervention tool for improving memory and reducing core learning deficits in adolescents born at ELBW.